Leader of Opposition in the British Parliament Jeremy Corbyn on Tuesday refused to step down after a motion of no confidence in him was passed by the party's MPs in the wake of Brexit vote.
The 172-40 vote, which is not binding, followed resignations from the shadow cabinet and called on Corbyn to quit, BBC reported.
After the result, the Labour Party leader issued a statement that the government was "in disarray" following Britain's vote to leave the European Union, and added: "Labour has the responsibility to give a lead where the government will not."
Corbyn said: "I was democratically elected leader of our party for a new kind of politics by 60 per cent of Labour members and supporters, and I will not betray them by resigning. Today's vote by MPs has no constitutional legitimacy."
"We are a democratic party, with a clear constitution. Our people need Labour Party members, trade unionists and MPs to unite behind my leadership at a critical time for our country."
The leader's allies have told his critics to trigger a formal leadership contest if they want to challenge him.
Labour MP and Corbyn critic Wes Streeting said the vote was "unprecedented". "I think Jeremy just has to accept now that his leadership is untenable."
--IANS
lok/vt
