MEMBERS of the Labour party in Barrow and Furness have made an official complaint to their national leaders about the borough's MP John Woodcock.

Barrow and Furness Constituency Labour Party are said to be "seeking guidance" from the national Labour party after members discussed the Labour MP at a recent executive meeting.

In a letter sent to members of the Barrow and Furness Labour Party at the weekend, constituency secretary John Clark, said: "I have been asked by the Barrow and Furness Executive Committee to let you know that we have written to the Labour party secretary and the National Executive Committee for advice concerning John Woodcock's recent public comments."

The latest spat between Mr Woodcock and local party members is believed to concern the MP's recent statements made in the House of Commons criticising Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn over his stance on the suspected Russian poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal.

When Mr Corbyn said he had always condemned the Russian government throughout his political career, the Mr Woodcock, said: "It's just not true."

The comments drew criticism from party members nationally.

Mr Woodcock, who has represented Furness since 2010, addressed the complaint.

He said: "It is hard for me to comment as I have not been informed of the nature of the complaint made against me.

"I first heard of this when I received the email sent to all Furness members.

"This is concerning but I want to assure my constituents I will never be distracted from standing up for our community and speaking out when I believe it is in the interests of the country."

A petition launched by Martin Webb, a Labour member from West Yorkshire, two weeks ago called for the MP to be kicked out the Labour party because of his comments has to date gathered 2,500 signatures.