THE QC the Labour Party consulted for advice about putting Jeremy Corbyn on the leadership ballot had the perfect experience for the high stakes political job - he played a pivotal role during Sandwell Council corruption scandal.

James Goudie QC produced the 79-page report into the allegations of misconduct against former deputy leader of the council Oldbury councillor Mahboob Hussain which was the catalyst to the entire episode becoming public.

The News and the BBC obtained leaked copies of the report which led to Sandwell Council decided to publish the Wragge Report into the corruption allegations.

Yesterday (Tuesday) Mr Goudie presented his 10 page document to the Labour Party about the historic battle for the leadership.

He argued the Labour rule book showed Mr Corbyn must gain nominations to prove that he has "a measurable degree of support" among MPs.

He said: "The policy approach is clear and obvious: on the one hand the leader will be elected by the party in the country; on the other hand the leader should also have a measurable degree of support amongst Labour MPs. The rules are manifestly intended to and do achieve this balance."

Mr Goudie adds: "If 20 per cent of support was required for candidates generally but not for an incumbent, then nill or negligible support within the PLP/EPLP for the incumbent would suffice, a remarkable conclusion."

He added: "The key provision is that, in the event that (i) there is no vacancy but (ii) there is a challenge, "any" nomination must be supported by 20 per cent of Labour MPs/MEPs.

"Any" is a simple English word. It means what it says. "Any" is not unqualified. The rules do not say "any except the incumbent" or words to that effect."

However, last night Labour Party's NEC held a secret ballot which voted 18 votes to 14 votes to ignore Mr Goudie's advice and put Jeremy Corbyn on the leadership ballot as an incumbent leader.

The winner of the leadership contest will be announced in September 24.