Jeremy Corbyn dismisses deputy leader's comments as he denies allegations of 'wide scale' bullying in Labour party

Labour leader disagrees with suggestions that a 'virulent form of identity politics has seized the party'

Jeremy Corbyn has dismissed comments made by his deputy leader about bullying in the Labour Party, claiming he does not believe it exists on a wide scale.

The Labour leader was addressing remarks made by Tom Watson, who had suggested that a virulent form of identity politics had seized the party.

Nine MPs quit the party this week, with the majority citing growing antisemitism and bullying under Mr Corbyn’s leadership as key reasons behind their decision to leave.

The Labour leader said that all issues of bad behaviour were dealt with and there was no place for such conduct.

“[There is] no place for harshness, bullying or anything else in the party and to tell you the truth, I don't believe it exists on a wide scale,” Mr Corbyn told Sky News. "Where there is bad behaviour, we deal with it."

Speculation continues to circulate around Westminster that more disaffected MPs could follow the initial nine who have left the party.

In response to seven MPs announcing they had quit the party at a surprise press conference on Monday, Mr Watson delivered an urgent warning to the Labour leader to reach out to all wings of the party or risk further resignations.

Two more MPs – Ian Austin and Joan Ryan – have since quit the party, citing issues with Mr Corbyn's leadership and the handling of antisemitism allegations.

In a video message, the deputy leader also issued a scathing attack on "hard left" members who were celebrating after the MPs decided to leave the party's ranks.

"I love this party," Mr Watson said. "But sometimes I no longer recognise it. That’s why I do not regard those who have resigned today as traitors.

"I confess I feared this day would come. And I fear now, that unless we change, we may see more days like this. The departure of our colleagues poses a test for our party. Do we respond with simple condemnation or do we try and reach out and extend beyond our comfort zone and prevent others from following?”

Asked about the deputy leader's comments, Mr Corbyn said: "Of course I disagree with him, because I do not wish to be in a party where there's any bullying. I'll be speaking to Tom Watson in the very near future to talk about that."