SENIOR Scottish Labour figures have been called on to sign a counter-letter defending party MP Ian Murray after he resigned from Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet.

In a sign that Labour’s civil war over Corbyn has spread to Scotland, the letter defends Murray and calls for the UK leader to go.

Murray, the party’s only MP and an ally of Scottish leader Kezia Dugdale, was one of dozens of Labour figures to quit Corbyn’s team this week.

His decision led to 80 Scottish Labour activists signing a letter of condemnation:

“We are absolutely astonished that you have chosen this moment to put factional party politics over getting the best outcome for the people of Scotland.

“Your actions are a gift to the Scottish National Party and the Tories, both of whom wish to portray our Party as divided and unfit to represent the working class, at a time when the SNP are pushing for independence and the Tories are in crisis.

“For these reasons in particular we are horrified by your disloyalty, do not support your decision, and wish you to make clear that you have acted without the support of us as Scottish Labour members.”

However, the tirade has prompted Murray’s supporters in the party to circulate their own letter for members to sign.

The letter states: "With the crisis engulfing the country in the wake of the vote to leave the European Union it is clear that more than ever we need an effective Labour opposition to hold this Government to account and to, ultimately, be in Government again. The Conservatives have taken this country to the brink and, now more than ever, we need a Labour Government."

"The Labour Party was formed to provide a voice for working people in Parliament and to form Governments that can further the interests of the majority of working people. It is clear that Jeremy Corbyn cannot provide that leadership."

"Some have accused Ian Murray MP of self-interest. This is absurd. The only self-interest that can be levelled at him is that he wants to serve in a future Labour Government – something all our MPs should aspire to. Ian also works around the clock on behalf of our party in his constituency, Scotland and across the UK."

"We need a credible, competent opposition, but Jeremy Corbyn is currently unable to fill all positions on his front bench. Jeremy Corbyn wants to captain a ship for which he has no crew. For the good of the party and, more importantly, the country, he must step aside."

Dugdale has herself said it will be "difficult" for Corbyn to survive.