Labour denies Starmer offering peerages to MPs to step down

Labour has denied claims it is offering peerages to Labour MPs so they stand down to make space for Sir Keir Starmer's chosen candidates.

A number of left-wing Labour MPs told The Times they would be elevated to the House of Lords if they gave up their seats.

But Yvette Cooper, Labour's shadow home secretary, told Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: "No party can do that, it's not the way the system works."

The allegation came after Sir Keir was accused of trying to get rid of candidates to the left of the party.

Veteran MP Diane Abbott accused him of "culling" Labour left-wingers after two potential candidates were blocked from standing.

Former leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News Sir Keir is "clearly intervening" in a "purge" of left-wing candidates.

Ms Cooper added that there is a "whole process" for an independent committee to vet nominations to the Lords so it is not possible for Sir Keir to promise anybody a seat there.