Mansfield MP Bradley removes libellous Corbyn tweet after threats of legal action from Labour leader

Mr Bradley tweeted accusing the Labour leader of selling British secrets in reference to accusations Mr Corbyn knowingly met with Soviet spies at the height of the Cold War.

The Tory youth spokesman posted: “Corbyn sold British secrets to communist spies... get some perspective mate!! Your priorities are a bit awry! “

A spokesman for the Labour leader said: “Jeremy has instructed solicitors to contact Ben Bradley to delete his libellous tweet or face legal action.”

But Mr Corbyn has not taken legal action regarding other allegations that he met with Soviet spies during the 1980s.

Twitter users encouraged the Labour leader to take action against the defamatory remarks.

Leading commentator Owen Jones Tweeted that Mr Corbyn should instruct his lawyers.

Mr Bradley later deleted the libellous tweet but made no apology to Mr Corbyn.

Mansfield Labour was also quick to capitalise on Mr Bradley’s tweet, as they get set to launch a major grass-roots drive to Unseat Ben Bradley, following the announcement of Councillor Sonya Ward as its next parliamentary candidate.

As part of the row, Coun Ward tweeter: “Never mind #AreYouSerious - more like #AreYouLibellous?”

Meanwhile, Mr Jones later tweeted: “Time to withdraw @bbradleymp, or you’re getting dragged to court.”

Mr Jones will be amongst a number of leading left-wing activists set to attend an anti-Conservative rally in Mansfield on Saturday.