Labour leadership: Jeremy Corbyn fears some supporters could be 'unfairly' barred from voting

'I am very concerned,' says Mr Corbyn

Jeremy Corbyn said he wants "a fair and open election" (PA)

Jeremy Corbyn has expressed concern that some of his supporters have been "unfairly" barred from voting in the upcoming Labour leadership election.

The party leader handed a list of excluded names to party officials, asking for a "fair and open election" with everyone eligible able to vote.

Included in those barred from voting was a leading Corbyn supporter, Bakers' union leader Ronnie Draper.

Mr Corbyn said: "I am very concerned that some people seem to have been unfairly removed from the ability to vote in this election.

"A number of people have contacted me as a result of that and we have sent in the names that we are concerned about to the general secretary and asked him to ensure the party checks into this carefully to make sure everyone who is eligible to vote is able to vote in this election.

"We want a fair and open election."

Mr Draper, a prominent supporter of Mr Corbyn and a Labour member for 40 years, said he was "disgusted and in shock" after receiving a letter saying he was suspended pending a hearing, a move which will prevent him voting in the leadership election.

His BFAWU union, which has almost 20,000 members in the food industry, is backing Mr Corbyn in the leadership contest against Owen Smith.

Mr Draper added: "I have not been given the opportunity to refute any allegations, or a date for any hearing

"I believe this flies in the face of natural justice. I intend to challenge my suspension robustly and am currently taking legal advice."

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, who is chairing Mr Corbyn's bid to be re-elected as Labour leader, warned party officials against "what appears to be a rigged purge of Jeremy Corbyn supporters".

A number of other Labour Party members said they have also been suspended, with one saying four people with a combined membership of 163 years have received letters.