A leadership contest is now inevitable in the Labour Party according to Jeremy Corbyn’s deputy.
Tom Watson has said a challenge is "inevitable" after Mr Corbyn refused to stand down following a vote of no confidence.
A source close to Mr Watson is reported as saying that he had tried to talk to Mr Corbyn about standing down but the leader refused to "engage".
Mr Watson however will not be a candidate in the contest, according to the source.
He said "He tried to talk to him about going. He didn't want to engage. He won't stand himself but a leadership election is now inevitable."
Mr Watson admitted he had approached Mr Corbyn to resolve the deadlock between him and the MPs. He told the BBC: "I went to see Jeremy today to see whether we could find a way of getting a negotiated settlement but he was unwilling to move from the position he is in. We are still in an impasse."
On the issue of resignation, he said: "I am afraid Jeremy was not willing to discuss that with me so I am assuming that he remains in office and that is where the situation stands."
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