BARROW MP John Woodcock stood at the gates of the shipyard in a bid to persuade union members to make use of their automatic right to vote in the upcoming Labour leadership election.

The anti-Jeremy Corbyn Labour MP spoke to shipyard workers at the end of the working day this lunchtime in a bid to encourage those who are members of the Community Union, Unite or GMB unions to make use of their automatic right to vote in the upcoming Labour leadership election.

Mr Corbyn, who has divided his party over his left-wing policies, and in particular his stance on the UK's nuclear weapons programme, faces a leadership challenge from Welsh MP Owen Smith.

Mr Smith, former work and pensions spokesman, is seeking to replace Mr Corbyn in a contest which ends on 24 September.

Anyone who has been a member of the Community Union, Unite or GMB trade unions since before January 12 of this year, is eligible to sign up to the Labour party as an affiliate member, and take part in the leadership election.

Mr Woodcock, who has faced fierce criticism, is keen to encourage some of the 7,000 shipyard workers to use their vote if they are members of an affiliated trade union or organisation.

In the leaflet he handed out to shipyard workers, which features a picture of Mr Corbyn standing beside a 'No to Trident replacement banner', Mr Woodcock said: "On Monday July 18, 140 Labour MPs voted to renew Trident, to keep jobs and the dignity that goes with them.

"They spoke on behalf of workers, members of the Community Union, GMB, Unite and Labour Party policy.

"Instead, Jeremy Corbyn sat opposite the Prime Minister and stood up only for his own opinion. He voted against party policy; more importantly he voted against jobs, prosperity and Britain standing tall in the world."

Any union members who would like to register to vote in the leadership election can do so by visiting https://support.labour.org.uk/ by Monday August 8.

LABOUR LEADERSHIP ELECTION TIMETABLE

22 August: Ballot papers start to be sent out in the post (Labour Party members only) and by email;

21 September: Deadline for ballot papers to be returned is midday;

24 September: The result will be announced at a special conference in Liverpool.