Corbyn's critics are backing off

As the Labour reshuffle continues today (more new names should be announced this afternoon), I've been calling his usual critics to see what they make of the line-up. Except, unusually, they haven't been that keen to pick up.

One of Jeremy Corbyn's keenest opponents told me "We're keeping our heads down", and said there's been a collective decision not to speak out this time.

Partly, I sense, because MPs accept there's not much they can do considering Jeremy Corbyn's renewed mandate as leader. And partly because they'd rather see whether things unravel without them having to put their neck out once again.

Jeremy Corbyn has asserted his mandate after beating rival Owen Smith in Labour's leadership contest. Credit: PA Wire

And there is another sign of Jeremy Corbyn's critics backing off. Last night I reported that the whips who worked under Rosie Winterton were considering resigning as a block.

I'm told today that they decided against the idea, though there may well be individual resignations later. Many MPs were deeply unhappy that Ms Winterton was sacked, but they seem to be biting their lips.

We'll get a better sense when the rest of the team is announced later. But for the moment, at least, MPs are collectively quiet about what they make of Jeremy Corbyn's reshuffle.