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Key Jeremy Corbyn ally 'furious' over MP 'trolling' list

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• published: 16 Sep 2016
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The controversial dossier, which has been branded a "green light" to trolls, had been defended by Mr Corbyn during a leadership debate at Sky headquarters in London, arguing those named had made statements "on the record". But John McDonnell, a key ally and shadow chancellor, has now admitted it was "inappropriate" and has apologised. He insisted it was not an "attack" list and claimed "it was just a factual report". Blaming the incident on a researcher, he acknowledged it was a set back to healing bitter party divisions. Mr McDonnell said: "We'll be meeting with all our MPs on many of the issues of concern, of course we will. "That release came from the campaign, it didn't come from Jeremy and we've apologised. "It was just inappropriate, one of our researchers saw a bit of incoming flak and then did a list of all the statements that had been made by other MPs, some of which were not particularly kind, let's put it that way, and then there's a briefing note. "It shouldn't have gone out and we apologise for that. "It certainly wasn't a list in any way to attack anyone, it was just a factual report." Mr McDonnell added: "It just set us back and I was furious about it to be frank, absolutely furious. "Just at a time when we were, I think, really rebuilding relations very, very well throughout the summer, I hope it hasn't set us back and we'll certainly have a conversation with all those that were involved." Neil Coyle, MP for Southwark, has told Sky News he was "livid" about being included on the list. He has written a formal letter of complaint to Mr Corbyn, warning him that he will be speaking to a lawyer about the list which he considers "a deliberate act of defamation". The list also includes Jess Phillips, who is alleged to have told Mr Corbyn's ally Diane Abbott to "f*** off", John Woodcock for describing the party leader as a "f****** disaster" and Tristram Hunt for saying Labour is "in the s***". Ian Austin, Ben Bradshaw, Frank Field, Anna Turley, Jamie Reed, Karl Turner, Stephen Kinnock and Tom Blenkinsop were all also named. Ms Phillips said she had received a threat on Thursday morning and linked it to being named on the list. The Birmingham Yardley MP tweeted: "Seems the list is having desired affect have had my first anti semitic we are coming for you email of the day." Mr Coyle said Labour MPs had for months suffered "a torrent of abuse" from Mr Corbyn's supporters and the release of the list was him "telling his trolls online to carry on". "He is giving them a green light to continue their abuse," said the MP. Mr Coyle added: "Jeremy was the most rebellious backbencher for 30 years, and yet somehow - it is utter hypocrisy really - he somehow does not like it when his own backbenchers disagree with him. "Instead of having a debate with us he goes out and issues a silly little list." Mr Corbyn's campaign team said the list was a draft press release that had not been signed off and was issued accidentally, but he did not apologise for its release during the live debate. "There was information put out there about statements that colleagues made on the record," he said.