Labour leadership: Jeremy Corbyn says all must respect 'democratic choice' to put him in power as he sweeps to victory

The leader called for his party to come together to oppose Theresa May's 'hard-right' government

An emboldened Jeremy Corbyn has said the whole of the Labour party must "respect the democratic choice" of members which saw him confirmed as leader.

Speaking after it emerged he had increased his majority from his 2015 victory, Mr Corbyn urged his party to come together in opposition of the Tories and launched a scathing attack on Theresa May's grammar schools plan.

In an attempt to allay concerns that a backlash may begin against his internal opponents, and following a bruising leadership campaign, he emphasised that personal abuse had no place in the Labour party

Addressing Labour delegates, he said: "My responsibility as Labour leader is to unite this party. At conference this week here in the wonderful city of Liverpool, in Parliament and in every community around the country.

"But it is also the responsibility of the whole party, Members of Parliament, councillors, party members and our wonderful supporters across the country to work together and respect the democratic choice that's been made.

"Labour is a party brimming full of ideas, of talent, of creativity and so is this country. Unleashing that potential is the job of all of us. Let us work together for real change in Britain."

In total there were 654,006 eligible voters with 506,438 casting a vote. Mr Corbyn took 313,209, 61.8%, of the ballot, while Mr Smith took 193,329, 38.2%.

The contest was triggered by an attempted coup and mired in claims of bullying and abuse, an antisemitism crisis and even court action.

In a bid to start afresh, Mr Corbyn said: "Things are sometimes said in the heat of the debate on all sides which we sometimes later come to regret.

"But always remember in our party, we have much more in common than that which divides us. As far as I'm concerned, let's wipe that slate clean from today and get on with the work we've got to do as a party together."

He added: "Our party has a duty of care to our members. That means intervening to stop personal abuse and also abiding by the principles of natural justice in the way that we handle it.

"Politics is demeaned and corroded by intimidation and abuse. It's not my way and it's not the Labour way and never will be."

Focusing on the Tories, he said: "Theresa May's government isn't a new government. It's David Cameron's government with a new hard-right edge, repackaged with progressive slogans."

He branded the Conservative plan to extend grammar school education as "segregation", claiming that it exposed a "divisive and damaging" agenda for Britain and then went on to highlight problems with the NHS, care for the elderly, child poverty and low wages.

He called for supporters to join him in a national campaign for "inclusive education for all" next Saturday, just before the start of Tory conference.

Mr Corbyn then addressed claims he is unelectable, adding: "Together, arguing for the real change this country needs, I've no doubt this party can win the next election whenever the Prime Minister decides to call it and form the next government."

His speech came ahead of a crunch meeting of the party's ruling executive committee at which plans to allow MPs to elect Mr Corbyn's shadow cabinet, seen as the key to bridging divisions within Labour, were to be discussed.