Labour whips dealt out a “punishment beating” to several MPs who nominated Jeremy Corbyn for leader, by whipping the vote for select committee chairmanships against Corbyn-backing candidates.

At least three Labour MPs running for chairmanships, who had nominated Corbyn, had to rely on the votes of Tory colleagues after whips ordered Labour MPs not to vote for them.

Labour sources suggest whips hoping for a “clean” leadership contest were “furious” that Corbyn made it onto the ballot paper and wanted revenge.

Giving Corbyn handy ammunition as an anti-establishment candidate who is the victim of a stitch up…