Tristram Hunt to stand down as MP to be V&A director

• Analysis by ITV News Deputy Political Editor Chris Ship

Another by-election is probably the last thing Jeremy Corbyn wanted for his troubled Labour Party.

It's been brought about by the resignation of the MP for Stoke Central, Tristram Hunt, who's to become director of the Victoria and Albert museum in London.

Mr Corbyn says he's not lost control of the party.

The question being asked tonight is, will more Labour MPs quit?

• Video report by Deputy Political Editor Chris Ship

Tristram Hunt quit as MP for Stoke-on-Trent today, triggering what could be a disastrous by-election for his Party - and leader Jeremy Corbyn.

He's been an outspoken critic of Mr Corbyn in the past, but in his resignation letter he insisted he didn't want to "rock the boat".

Labour will face a tough battle to retain his seat.

Jeremy Corbyn has thanked Tristram Hunt for his services to the Labour Party following the latter's resignation.

Hunt is set to stand down from his role as MP for Stoke-on-Trent to take up a new job as director of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

His departure has already been described by UKIP as a sign of MPs' disillusionment with Corbyn's leadership of the party.

Hunt stepped down from his role as shadow education secretary shortly after Corbyn's election as party leader in September 2015, citing their political differences.

In a short statement, Corbyn said: "I would like to thank Tristram Hunt for his service to the people of Stoke-on-Trent Central and to the Labour Party.

"I wish him well in his future role at the V&A."

Outgoing MP Tristram Hunt's resignation from Parliament is a sign of the times under Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, according to UKIP.

Hunt's decision to ditch politics for a new role as director of the Victoria and Albert Museum shows how many Labour MPs see a "brighter future" away from the party.

UKIP chairman Paul Oakden said he expected many voters to desert Labour in Stoke-on-Trent's upcoming by-election - triggered by the former shadow education secretary's departure.

"The resignation of Tristram Hunt MP highlights the brighter future that many in the Labour Party feel they have away from Jeremy Corbyn and his brand of politics," Oakden said.

"We have no doubt that the example set by Mr Hunt will be one that many voters in Stoke-on-Trent will consider following in the upcoming by-election, where UKIP will be fighting hard to offer local people the committed representation they both need and deserve."