A LIST in which a Gwent MP was included among 36 Labour Party members considered ‘hostile’ towards leader Jeremy Corbyn has been officially debunked.

Last month The Times newspaper published what it claimed was an internal party document dividing MPs into five categories from ‘core’ to ‘hostile’.

But, although Islwyn MP Chris Evans was included on the ‘hostile’ list, in a letter to Labour members opposition chief whip Dame Rosie Winterton said Mr Corbyn’s office “was not involved in the production of the list”.

“What is on the list is not a reflection of his views or those of his office,” she said.

“Jeremy is keen to ensure that his leadership is inclusive and reflective of the broad range of views represented in the party and that we unify around our common goal of fighting not only the forthcoming elections but also winning the European referendum to keep us in Europe."

When the list was released in March Mr Evans, who was elected for the first time in 2010 and held his seat in last year’s General Election, said he did not believe people “outside of the political bubble” would pay it much attention.

“As far as I am concerned, last May I was elected to do that job and that is what I intend to continue to focus upon,” he said.

Newport MPs Paul Flynn and Jessica Morden, as well as their colleague in Blaenau Gwent Nick Smith, were listed as ‘neutral but not hostile’ along with 61 others. Meanwhile Torfaen and Caerphilly MPs Nick Thomas-Symonds and Wayne David were among 56 included in the ‘core group plus category’, suggesting they were considered to be supportive of the divisive Labour leader, but not among his central supporters.