During the Labour leadership contest more than 100,000 “registered supporters” were offered the chance to vote alongside full members for a £3 fee. Their strength could be further harnessed by the leader if they now become full members.
Moderate MPs worry if this happens it could pave the way for attempts to get rid of those not backing Mr Corbyn. They also warned that Mr Corbyn would face resistance from Labour officials trying to shore up party finances.
One of Labour’s biggest donors, Hull City owner Assem Allam, recently withdrew his support following Mr Corbyn’s selection. With other donors thought to be raising questions about the party’s future, membership dues are set to become critical to Labour’s financial credibility.
The row over new supporters looked set to become the first major battlefield over the party’s direction, with hard Left activists calling for a concerted drive to assimilate them in order to “subordinate [MPs]”.
