JEREMY Corbyn and his inner circle are considering a frontbench reshuffle that could see the shadow foreign secretary, Emily Thornberry, moved as a punishment for insisting the party must back a second Brexit referendum, according to several senior figures in the party.

According to reports there is also growing support from some of Corbyn’s allies, including union leaders close to the leader’s office, for a new contest to be held that could see Tom Watson replaced as deputy leader, following his backing for a public vote on Brexit.

The developments raise fresh confusion over the party’s stance on Brexit, after Scottish Labour’s ruling body backed a confirmatory referendum on Brexit and to campaign for Remain when they met on Saturday.

Sources inside Corbyn’s office did not confirm – or rule out – changes to the party’s top team.

“They are very angry with Emily and are out to get Tom,” one shadow cabinet source told the Observer. Another senior source said: “There is talk of petitions going round local parties, particularly to rally support for a deputy leadership contest.

“This would require more than 50 MPs to back it to get off the ground. They may want to do it, but it almost certainly won’t work.”