North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's uncle is removed from powerful role and two of his associates publicly executed for corruption

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sacked his powerful uncle who helped him rise to power and he has executed two of his relative's associates, it has been claimed.

The move could be seen as an attempt to consolidate his power base with a younger group of aides.

Jang Song Thaek was likely sacked as vice chairman of the powerful National Defence Commission and as a department head of the ruling Workers' Party, lawmaker Jung Cheong-rae said, according to a senior South Korean official with the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

He was seen as a powerful influence as young leader Kim Jong Un consolidated power after his father Kim Jong Il's death in December 2011.

The move is likely to tip the balance in favour of another close aide - the top political operative for the army - which could mean a symbolic victory for the 1.2 million-strong military.

Choe Ryong Hae, director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army, has been the most prominent figure to accompany Kim at public events and is a reminder of the state's political roots in military power.