ACTOR Maxine Peake made a surprise intervention in Labour’s anti-semitism row yesterday, launching a staunch defence of the party and “unflappable” leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The socialist screen and stage star, who supported Mr Corbyn’s leadership campaign, praised the way he has handled difficult situations since being elected last summer.

Mr Corbyn used his speech to London’s May Day rally to say that Labour is “united” against all forms of anti-semitism and racism.