Dramatic scenes as Jeremy Corbyn 'refuses to leave' NEC meeting about his future as Labour leader

The Labour leader's future hangs in the balance

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn arrives at Labour HQ in Westminster, London, where the Labour NEC are meeting about the party leadership contest. (PA)

There have been dramatic scenes at a meeting of Labour’s ruling body this afternoon as Jeremy Corbyn's future hangs in the balance.

The party’s national executive committee is holding a special session to determine whether Mr Corbyn will automatically be on the ballot paper of any leadership contest if someone challenges him.

Citing sources inside the meeting, Channel 4 News reports that Mr Corbyn, who sits on the NEC by virtue of his position as leader, was asked to leave the room – but refused.

The request for him to leave came after the NEC voted by 17-15 in favour of asking the question regarding the ballot paper as a secret ballot.

Sky News later reported that Mr Corbyn vacated the room after having first refused to do so.

The decision about whether Mr Corbyn will automatically be on the ballot paper will be revealed later this evening.

Separate sets of legal advice have reportedly backed both opinions.

Mr Corbyn's supporters are thought to have a narrow majority on the NEC.

The Labour leader is expected to struggle to gain the required nominations if forced to obtain them.

It is possible that any decision either way could be challenged in the courts by the side that loses.

Mr Corbyn was hit by a wave of frontbench resignations last month, with MPs calling for him to step down.

After he refused to quit, former shadow business secretary Angela Eagle announced she was standing against him for the leadership.