Mr Corbyn’s statement in response, where he described the issue of anti-Semitism within Labour as “dramatically overstated” by opponents for political reasons, prompted shock and dismay in the party’s HQ, according to the Guardian. A senior Labour source told the paper the party’s deputy leader Angela Rayner spoke to Mr Corbyn and urged him to apologise – but he did not – and his suspension was announced at 13:00 GMT, with the former leader finding out from a cameraman.