Kelvin Hopkins ranked as '˜core' Corbyn backer in leaked list of Labour MPs' loyalties

The spreadsheet, uncovered by The Times, lists the Luton North MP in the ‘core group’ of Mr Corbyn’s backers, alongside Diane Abbott, Dennis Skinner and John McDonnell.

Shortly after Mr Corbyn’s victory in the Labour leadership battle in September the Luton News revealed that Mr Hopkins discussed a possible frontbench role with the new leader, but opted to remain a backbencher.

At the time Mr Hopkins said: “Although it’s an honour it is not something I am seeking at this point as I have lots of irons in many fires and I want to continue pursuing those.

“I’m very active politically and if you are a front bencher you become quite restricted in what you can say within your brief.”

The spreadsheet lists Luton South’s Gavin Shuker in the ‘neutral but not hostile’ category of Labour MPs.

Reacting to the leaked document, Mr Shuker tweeted Mr Corbyn: “You say the sweetest things”.

Other categories on the spreadsheet included ‘core group plus’, ‘core group negative’ and ‘hostile group’.

Remarkably Sadiq Khan, Labour’s candidate for London mayor, is listed in the ‘hostile’ category.

A spokesperson for Mr Corbyn said: “It doesn’t come from this office and we have no knowledge of it.”