Lyn Brown has called Jeremy Corbyn’s role as Labour leader “untenable” as she resigned from her role as shadow minister

Responding to questions on Twitter, the MP for West Ham said that “the situation is now untenable” and that “it’s time to go to the membership”.

More than 50 members of the shadow government have resigned over the past few days in protest, with Ms Brown among the latest to step down.

She had been a shadow home office minister since September.

Ms Brown’s resignation came as the party’s MPs took a vote of no confidence this afternoon.

The Parliamentary Labour Party voted by 172 to 40 for the motion tabled by veteran backbencher Dame Margaret Hodge, according to sources.

But Mr Corbyn said the vote by the Parliamentary Labour Party had no “constitutional legitimacy” under party rules.

He said: “I was democratically elected leader of our party for a new kind of politics by 60% 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.”

Ms Brown has been contacted for comment.