WANNABE Labour leader Ian Lavery would be an “appalling” choice, party moderates complained last night.
The hard-Left party chairman’s pitch for support bombed with backbenchers who said he should quit after their election humiliation.
Mr Lavery, who is “seriously considering” a run at replacing Jeremy Corbyn, warned that Labour was in danger of being wiped out.
But MPs said he should stand down in disgrace.
Many centrist members believe Mr Lavery is being talked up to make fellow Corbynista Rebecca Long-Bailey appear like a more moderate choice.
Labour MP Neil Coyle fumed: “Lavery should be resigning as chair, not thinking of a bigger role having reduced Labour representation to its lowest levels for a century.
“However, many colleagues seem convinced he is the ‘dead cat’ here, being talked up as an awful alternative to try and make Rebecca Long-Bailey look more palatable.
“It’ll take more convincing for members fed up with spin and looking for substance and action to get Labour fighting fit as soon as possible.”
Shadow Justice Secretary Richard Burgon said he will run for the deputy leadership, saying the party must not abandon Mr Corbyn’s policies.
