Divisions within the Labour Party have escalated after the party's deputy leader in Scotland accused the country's only MP of plotting to undermine Jeremy Corbyn.

Shadow Scottish Secretary Ian Murray resigned from Labour leader Mr Corbyn's shadow cabinet as part of a series of resignations over the dismissal of Hilary Benn.

Scottish Labour's deputy leader hit out at Mr Murray's resignation claiming he was putting "self interest before the needs of the country".

Mr Rowley wrote: "Disappointing that at a time when we need unity, focus and strength that Ian Murray and fellow plotters put self interest before the needs of the country."

As Scotland’s only Labour MP his resignation is a significant blow to Mr Corbyn – who faces replacing him with an MP sitting for an English seat or a member of the House of Lords.

Mr Corbyn is under intense pressure to resign amid accusations he failed to show leadership in the EU referendum.

Labour MP Heidi Alexander announced her resignation earlier.

Hilary Benn was sacked as shadow Foreign Secretary in the small hours after he urged Mr Corbyn to go.

Another Labour MP Gloria De Piero is also understood to have quit.

As many as half the shadow cabinet are reported to be considering their position.

A spokesman for Mr Corbyn has insisted that he will not resign.

Sources suggested that that there was no limit to the number of shadow cabinet members who could be replaced. 

Mr Corbyn's close ally, shadow chancellor John McDonnell defended his leadership in the EU debate, saying that Mr Corbyn had "delivered" Labour voters. 

He added: "Jeremy is not going anywhere".

He also ruled himself out of any future leadership contest. 

He told the BBC: "I'm not standing as leader of the Labour party no matter what happens"