LONDON: Britain’s opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has sacked his EU policy chief for disloyalty and moved his defense spokeswoman to another job in an attempt to tighten control over his rebellious parliamentary party.

Corbyn, a veteran left-wing activist, was overwhelmingly elected party leader last year after tapping into a desire for change among grassroots party members, including many new, younger recruits.

But his four-month tenure has deepened divisions between him and several of Labour’s leading lawmakers.

Members of his “shadow cabinet,” who hold portfolios mirroring those in government, had openly disagreed with him over foreign and defence policy - something that has hobbled the party’s ability to challenge the ruling Conservatives.

After days of hesitation, described by Prime Minister David Cameron as “the longest reshuffle in history,” Labour said on Wednesday that Emily Thornberry would replace Maria Eagle as defense spokeswoman.

Eagle was in favour of renewing Britain’s nuclear-armed Trident submarine programme, putting her at odds with Corbyn who has argued that the more than 100 billion-pound price tag to replace the country’s deterrent could be better used. Thornberry has voted against renewing Trident.

Europe shadow secretary Pat McFadden said he had been sacked in part because of comments he made in Parliament seemingly at odds with statements Corbyn had made on the causes of terrorism. Corbyn, he said, had taken them as a personal attack. He will be replaced by Pat Glass, a pro-Europe former junior education spokeswoman. Another member of the shadow cabinet, culture spokesman Michael Dugher, was also sacked.