Labour's leadership is gearing up for a major battle with grassroots members after beginning the process of choosing someone to stand against ex-party leader Jeremy Corbyn in his London seat.

Former BBC journalist Paul Mason is among those who have already thrown their hat into the ring to be selected in Islington North, which Mr Corbyn has represented since 1983.

The 74-year-old has been suspended from the parliamentary party for almost four years over his response to a probe into anti-Semitism under his leadership. 

But he remains hugely popular in the local party, despite sitting as an independent. The local Constituency Labour Party (CLP) still has his picture on its website home page.

His popularity prompted Labour's ruling National Executive Committee to take the selection of candidates out of the hands of local members, though they will still vote for the final candidate. 

However, there have been calls from allies of Mr Corbyn for him to be allowed to stand on the Labour ticket.

Despite sitting as an independent in Parliament he remains a party member and there is no rule against him applying - though the NEC has already blocked him from standing.  Mr Corbyn has also yet to rule out running as an independent candidate against Labour. 

It means that the process is likely to be brutal and confrontational. One London party source told Politico's London Playbook: 'This campaign will be an utter s***show. The party has a duty of care towards anyone it puts on a shortlist.' 

The 74-year-old has been suspended from the parliamentary party for almost four years over his response to a probe into anti-Semitism under his leadership. 

Former BBC journalist Paul Mason is among those who have already thrown their hat into the ring to be selected in Islington North, which Mr Corbyn has represented since 1983.

Mr Mason's decision to run is likely to raise the hackles of local Corbynistas. He is a former leftwing supporter of Mr Corbyn who has since become a critic.

Last night on X the  former Newsnight economics editor wrote: 'I worked hard for Jeremy Corbyn while leader and I hope to build on the decades of tireless work he's done for local people.

'I backed Keir Starmer, and took part in his leadership campaign in 2020, because I knew he could put us where we are today - on the brink of a Labour government that will give Britain its future back.

Pointedly, after the furore over anti-Semitism in the party under Mr Corbyn's leadership, he added: 'I'm a trade unionist, a campaigner for social justice, a UK champion for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty - and a lifelong anti-racist.'

Others lined-up to stand include London transport campaigner Christian Wolmar, while Fire Brigade Union leader Paul Embery suggested he might run.

The local Constituency Labour Party (CLP) still has Mr Corbyn's picture on its website home page.

However last night the local CLP passed a motion almost unanimously thanking Mr Corbyn for his 'commitment and service to the people' and declaring 'it should be our democratic right to select our MP'.

John MocDonnell, who was Mr Corbyn's shadow chancellor, added: 'The wishes of the Labour Party members of Islington North should be respected and they should be allowed to select the candidate of their voice and that includes Jeremy Corbyn, who has given his life to representing his community.'

Meanwhile the Corbyn-aligned grassroots group Momentum said: 'Islington North Labour members want Jeremy Corbyn to keep representing them as their MP. 

'He has done so loyally for over 40 years and remains a Labour member. Local members should choose their own candidates, not Keir Starmer's Westminster clique.'