A MEMBER of Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet called for the party to unite behind the leader during a campaign visit to Darlington.

Easington MP Grahame Morris, who is on Mr Corbyn's front bench team, addressed a meeting of 70 people in the town and defended the Labour leader from the criticism he is receiving – and urged party members to keep him in his post.

He said: "People recognise the integrity and the decency of the man. I think most of these attacks on him are fabrications.

"When I see our own side throwing barbs and trying to denigrate him, I think it’s outrageous."

The Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has also taken on the jobs of several other MPs who are refusing to serve in the Labour opposition to the Conservative Government.

The meeting, at St Augustine’s Parish Centre, was organised by volunteers from Momentum Darlington, a movement which grew out of Mr Corbyn's previous leadership campaign.

Richard Heaven from Momentum Darlington, who chaired the meeting, said: “We’re particularly grateful to Grahame for finding the time to come to Darlington while he is working so hard - and doing so many jobs – to hold the Tories to account and to stand up for the people who need a Labour Government."

The ballot for the Labour leadership is now open until September 22. The result will be announced at a special conference on September 24.