Labour has suspended Chris Williamson, as anger over his approach to the party's antisemitism crisis grows among MPs.

The Derby North MP triggered fury when it emerged he had said the party was "too apologetic" over Jew-hate and condemned parliamentarians who stood in solidarity with a Jewish colleague.

The party announced on Wednesday an investigation into his "pattern of behaviour" on Wednesday but did not initially suspend him.

Later, 38 MPs wrote a letter to Chief Whip Nick Brown and General Secretary Jennie Formby, insisting Mr Williamson have the party whip stripped from him.

A Labour spokesperson said: “Chris Williamson is suspended from the Party, and therefore the whip, pending investigation.”

He was suspended after his '"pattern of behavior" was reviewed "in full by relevant staff" and Ms Formby decided to remove the whip during the investigation.

The Board of Deputies called it "the right decision, if long overdue".

The Board thanked deputy Labour leader Tom Watson and "all those MPs who had to push the party leadership to take this matter seriously".

Mr Williamson said: "I am going to clear my name within the party procedures. I think I’ve got a very strong case. There is no evidence against me in reality.”