Under-threat MP accuses party activists of bullying

Published on Sunday 14 March 2010 21:54

A LABOUR MP facing deselection has claimed she was the victim of bullying by the party's executives.

Anne Moffat yesterday vowed to fight for her seat as she launched an attack on the constituency members who have tried to deselect her.

Ms Moffat could lose her East Lothian seat after activists agreed last week to allow a vote on her future.

The party's national executive committee (NEC) has the final say on who should stand for Labour at the general election, but has allowed a full meeting of the local party in East Lothian to vote on the issue on Friday.

Ms Moffat, who was first elected to serve the area in 2001, will have the right to appeal.

The East Lothian constituency Labour party (CLP) wrote to the NEC raising several concerns about "the behaviour, competence and performance of local MP Anne Moffat". They included a failure to attend constituency meetings, failing to provide the lead on the European election campaign and making "divisive press statements concerning local party members".

It concluded: "The CLP submits that the MP has not complied with the requirements of the NEC enquiry held in December 2008.

"We request, in light of the above and as a matter of urgency, that … rescinding of endorsement is invoked without delay."

Last night Ms Moffat hit back saying: "And why should I stand down because a group of bullies are asking me to? When I saw that statement from them that just put more fire in my belly to fight them."

In a letter to the NEC, she also claimed party members were "hostile and abusive" and she left the meeting feeling "bullied and intimidated".

"By May 2009, I was experiencing ill health and on certified sick leave," she wrote. "I was given medical advice not to engage in any activity which could cause stress or anxiety. GC (constituency general council] meetings clearly fall into that category."

A spokesman for Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray said: "This is a matter for the local constituency party to decide on.

"The proper procedures have been followed and now it is up to the party members. One thing MPs and MSPs must be aware of is that they're always accountable to their party members and the public at elections."

The East Lothian MP also revealed she has not spoken to Mr Gray this year, even though they both represent the same constituency.

Asked about her failure to vote in European elections which saw Labour lose to the SNP, Ms Moffat said: "I certainly didn't vote in the European elections, but no-one (from the constituency] has had the courtesy to ask me why.

"I was seriously ill at the time and unable to. I had a brain haemorrhage. I don't think I can lay that at their (constituency members] door, but the road to recovery has been hampered by the bad feelings and vindictiveness of these people who, even when I was seriously ill, did not let up."

Asked about Mr Gray's silence on the matter, she said: "That's a matter you would have to talk to him about.

"I just think he probably chooses not to get involved, but when it came to his election for the Labour leadership I backed him."