Jeremy Corbyn will automatically be included on the ballot in Labour's leadership contest following a vote by the ruling National Executive Committee.

The secret vote went 18-14 in his favour following hours of talks at the party's headquarters in central London.

Wallasey MP Angela Eagle is challenging him for the party's leadership, and formally launched her bid on Monday.

Candidates other than the current leader will first need the support of 20% of the party's MPs and MEPs.

A party spokesman said: "The NEC has agreed that as the incumbent leader Jeremy Corbyn will go forward onto the ballot without requiring nominations from the Parliamentary Labour Party and the European Parliamentary Labour Party.

"All other leadership candidates will require nominations from 20% of the PLP and EPLP."

Mr Corbyn told reporters later: "I'm sure Labour MPs will understand that the party has to come together in order to present to the British people the options of a different and better way of doing things."

Ms Eagle said: "I'm glad Labour's NEC has come to a decision. I welcome the contest ahead. And I am determined to win it."

The NEC also ruled that members need to have signed up on or before January 12 to be eligible to vote in the leadership contest.

Mr Corbyn was swept to power on a wave of registered supporters who paid a £3 fee to vote in the contest.

The NEC has agreed that this time round, the one-off payment that will allow them to take part will go up to £25.

A Labour spokesman said: "The timetable for the contest for the leader of the Labour Party has been agreed by the NEC and will commence on Thursday. The timetable will be published then."