JACK Straw believes that the Labour Party is in the “worst crisis” since its formation in 1918 in the wake of the Jeremy Corbyn leadership battle.

The former home secretary and ex-Blackburn MP has spoken out as Angela Eagle and deputy leader Tom Watson are discussed as possible challengers for Labour’s top job.

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Mr Straw said: “This is the worst crisis since the party was formed in 1918. We went through some very serious crises in the 80s, but the Trotskyists who are currently controlling Jeremy Corbyn are also trying to take over local Labour parties, like Blackburn.

“We have never had a Labour leader who has so comprehensively lost the support of his own party.”

Former party leaders Gordon Brown and Ed Miliband also yesterday urged Corbyn to quit.

Hyndburn Labour MP Graham Jones was among the 172 MPs who supported a no-confidence motion in the Labour leader.

Blackburn MP Kate Hollern and Burnley MP Julie Cooper have each refused to comment on where their votes lay – while both signalling their unease at the “disunity” within the party.

Meanwhile would-be prime minister Boris Johnson’s team, already backed by Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry, is reported to have the support of a second East Lancashire figure, Amanda Milling, the former deputy leader of Rossendale Council and now Cannock Chase MP, who is said to be part of the former mayor of London’s team.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has declared his support for Johnston but Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson is understood to still be considering his options.

Mr Evans said: “Boris is like the Heineken politician - he reaches parts other politicians cannot reach.”

Former Home Secretary Theresa May and Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb have so far declared their leadership credentials.