Shadow Cabinet Stands On Syria Airstrikes

Usually all of them would be expected to support their leader - and the party position.

But Mr Corbyn's decision to release a letter outlining his opposition to airstrikes against Islamic State in Syria has raised the prospect of a revolt over the issue when it comes to be voted on in the Commons.

:: Corbyn Set For Showdown Over Syria Airstrikes

Ahead of a meeting of the shadow cabinet where a collective position is expected to be agreed, Sky News takes a look at where Labour's frontbench stands on the issue.

Sky News understands that at an extraordinary meeting of the shadow cabinet on Thursday, only four members explicitly supported Mr Corbyn's stance.

These were shadow communities secretary Jon Trickett, John Cryer who is the Parliamentary Labour Party chair, shadow chancellor John McDonnell, and shadow international development secretary Diane Abbott.

It is thought that 15 members of the shadow cabinet spoke out against Mr Corbyn's view.

They included: shadow education secretary Lucy Powell, shadow defence secretary Maria Eagle, deputy leader Tom Watson, shadow Northern Ireland secretary Vernon Coaker, shadow culture secretary Michael Dugher and shadow foreign secretary Hilary Benn.

Heidi Alexander, shadow secretary of state for health, is another one of those in favour of bombing IS in Syria.

Chris Bryant, shadow leader of the Commons, also holds the opposite view to Mr Corbyn.

Sky sources have indicated shadow transport secretary Lilian Greenwood is leaning towards supporting airstrikes. 

The source said she found the arguments of Mr Benn at the shadow cabinet meeting "persuasive".

Shadow secretary of state for health Ian Murray has told the BBC he opposes airstrikes. 

Opinion is also likely to be split on whether or not the vote should be whipped, which would mean MPs would be expected to back their leader's position.

Mr McDonnell and Mr Watson want there to be a free vote, allowing MPs to vote with their conscience.

Former shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna told Sky News at the weekend he would defy Mr Corbyn if MPs are ordered to oppose military action.