Tom Watson tells Express & Star: Axe must not fall on Labour's Black Country MPs

The West Bromwich East MP told the Express & Star that de-selecting any MPs accused of being disloyal to Mr Corbyn would be 'a backward step', although the upheaval such a move would cause meant that it was 'highly unlikely'.

And he warned Jeremy Corbyn that he will need to 'reconnect' with the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) as a priority should he retain his grip on leadership.

Mr Corbyn is expected to comfortably see off the challenge of rival Owen Smith when the result of the election is announced tomorrow afternoon.

Reports have suggested that allies of the Labour leader are plotting a mass de-selection of rebel MPs, with many of those based in the Black Country having been openly critical of Mr Corbyn's leadership.

Speaking on the eve of the conference, Mr Watson said: "Even if the rules were changed to force every MP to get re-elected I think all of ours in the Black Country would win.

"But I think it's highly unlikely we are going to see a 'night of the long knives'. It would be a backward step for Labour."

Mr Watson, who was due to run a surgery in his constituency today before driving to Liverpool for the party conference, also hit out at 'a small minority' of 'hard left' party members who he said have attempted to devalue the work of the PLP.

"There are some members of the party that think the MPs don't matter," he said.

"In actual fact it is the MPs who want to build policy and trying to take the party forward. I've got a job on my hands to get the message across that the Parliamentary party is essential and needs nurturing rather than alienating."

He also vowed to push for former shadow cabinet members who quit their frontbench roles to return to the fold. "I'll do all I can to make that happen," Mr Watson said.

"I want them to come back. We need our best people in the top positions. If Jeremy wins he has to reconnect with MPs or he will never get the confidence of the electorate."