BBC rejects Labour's complaints about Panorama antisemitism episode

The decision will embarrass Labour, who have attempted to bury the antisemitism row that has engulfed the party, as they launch their general election manifesto.

Labour’s lengthy complaint to the BBC had singled out the presenter, investigative reporter John Ware, for criticism - accusing him of holding "hostile" views of Mr Corbyn.

On the morning before the Panorama aired, Corbyn’s campaigning group Momentum tweeted out a 40-second video which attacked what it claimed was Mr Ware’s recent journalistic track record, concluding by asking its followers, “Does this seem like impartial journalism?”

The documentary claimed senior figures, including Mr Corbyn’s communications chief Seumas Milne and general secretary Jennie Formby, interfered in antisemitism investigations.

It also featured interviews with a succession of Labour whistleblowers who have given evidence to the EHRC watchdog investigation into claims Mr Corbyn now leads an 'institutionally antisemitic' party.

Momentum founder Jon Lansman also suggested that the whistleblowers were "former staffers with an axe to grind."

In September, the JC revealed Labour was being sued for libel by five ex-party staffers over alleged smears they have been subjected to since Panorama was aired.

It is understood that Panorama presenter and journalist Mr Ware is also suing the party over its criticism of his reputation in public statements issued in advance of the broadcast of the Panorama episode.