SHADOW home secretary Andy Burnham was mocked in the House of Commons for refusing to join his colleagues and resign in protest at Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

More than 40 Labour frontbenchers have quit in a tumultuous three days for the Labour Party and MPs are due to debate a motion of no confidence in Mr Corbyn later on Tuesday.

READ MORE: Corbyn no confidence vote 'has no meaning', says ally of Labour leader

Former Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham, who was beaten to the top job by Mr Corbyn, is one of just a handful of Labour MPs in the shadow cabinet who have refused to go.

Business Minister Nick Boles poked fun at Mr Burnham and shadow education minister Gordon Marsden, who he said would go down in the annals of history as "great champions" of political opposition.

READ MORE: Labour resignations a 'disgusting, organised coup', says Alex Salmond

Speaking during Business Questions in the Commons, Mr Boles addressed Mr Marsden and said: "Can I start by congratulating you on being one of the few people to resist the temptation to resign in the last 48 hours.

"He and the shadow home secretary will go down in the history books as brave champions of modern opposition."

READ MORE: Corbyn no confidence vote 'has no meaning', says ally of Labour leader

His joke was greeted with laughter among the Tory benches.