Traingate: Virgin still offering Labour members 20% off fares for party conference

Relations between Jeremy Corbyn and Virgin Trains may have soured over the Labour leader's disputed claims of failing to get a seat on one of the operator's "jam-packed" services between London and Newcastle.

But the company is still giving Labour members 20% off advanced fares for the party's annual conference in Liverpool on 24 September, which is in jeopardy unless Labour finds a new security contractor.

Delegates and exhibitors at the conference are eligible for deal and it applies to standard and first class, so Corbyn will not have to upgrade.

The so called 'Traingate' affair was raised again on Wednesday when Corbyn lost his cool with journalists at press conference.

"I'm glad you've watched the CCTV so carefully," Corbyn replied to a grilling from Sky News' Darren McCaffrey. "It's a really important issue this, absolutely crucial to the whole nation and the NHS.

"But, let's get to the details of it, yes I did walk through the train. Yes, I did look for two empty seats together so I could sit down with my wife and talk to her – that wasn't possible."

A spokesperson for Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) told IBTimes UK that they were "making enquiries" into the release of the CCTV images.

"All organisations have an obligation to comply with the Data Protection Act and must have legitimate grounds for processing the personal data they hold," the spokesperson added.

"Where there's a suggestion that this hasn't happened, the ICO has the power to investigate and can take enforcement action if necessary."