TOM Watson is seeking a meeting with Jeremy Corbyn to discuss making tackling anti-Semitism "the number one issue" for Labour.
The deputy leader warned the party was “perilously close" to losing more MPs over the issue after nine resigned last week.
The Midlands MP spoke out after his colleague, Chris Williamson, a close ally of Mr Corbyn, was suspended by the leadership over his claims that the party had been "too apologetic" about anti-Semitism.
Mr Watson insisted Labour could “not apologise enough", describing last week's resignation of Liverpool Wavertree MP Luciana Berger as "the worst day of shame in the Labour Party's 120-year history; a pregnant young MP bullied out of her own party by racist thugs".
He declined to comment on speculation a representative of Mr Corbyn's office had argued against Mr Williamson's suspension on Wednesday.
After a video was posted online showing the Derby North MP's contentious comments, Labour HQ condemned them, called on him to withdraw his words and announced there would be an investigations.
But it did not say Mr Williamson would be suspended. However, as the outcry from within and outwith the party grew, Jennie Formby, the Labour General Secretary, announced his suspension.
Labour HQ claimed the decision to suspend the backbencher was taken before a letter from MPs demanding tougher action was received.
It insisted it was "categorically untrue" to suggest Mr Corbyn himself had intervened in the case because he had no role in disciplinary procedures.
Asked during on BBC Radio 4's Today programme whether anyone from the leader's office had argued against suspension, Mr Watson replied: "I can't confirm that. I've no idea who said what in Jeremy's office. I honestly don't know that.”
He went on: “I've asked to see Jeremy on Monday next week to talk about how we can further improve our measures to deal with anti-Semitism."
The deputy leader made clear Mr Williamson was "entitled to a fair hearing" but added: "I've been very, very concerned that his comments have almost been deliberately inflammatory and causing offence to not just parliamentary colleagues but people in the Jewish community, who understandably have a real concern about anti-Semitism in the Labour Party."
The Derbyshire MP has pledged to clear his name, saying: “I've got a very strong case. There is no evidence against me in reality."
Meanwhile, Mr Watson was asked if he thought Mr Corbyn was fit to be prime minister, given his handling of the anti-Semitism issue.
The deputy leader replied: "He could easily be prime minister. But, of course, we could do without the anti-Semitism because it allows you to ask me that question on the Today programme.
"We need to close these issues down and we do it by being absolutely vigilant in the way we deal with racism in our own ranks. That's on all of us," he added.
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