Deselection looms for Scots Labour MP

Published on Friday 19 March 2010 21:51

A LABOUR MP faces deselection after losing the backing of her local party in a vote last night.

Members in East Lothian have decided Anne Moffat should not stand as their candidate in the forthcoming election.

Ms Moffat has until Monday to lodge an appeal with Labour's National Executive Committee, if she wishes.

A Labour Party spokesman said: "Members in East Lothian met tonight and considered a special resolution on whether Anne Moffat should be the candidate at the general election.

"Members decided that Anne Moffat should not be the candidate at the general election. Anne has the right of appeal."

Willie Innes, chairman of the East Lothian Constituency Labour Party, said members voted to deselect Ms Moffat by 130 votes to 59.

He said the MP had not attended a constituency meeting for two years and the local party was unhappy about a number of issues, including Ms Moffat's expense claims.

East Lothian Tory candidate Michael Veitch said Labour was "in turmoil", while Lib Dem candidate Stuart Ritchie said: "In Iain Gray's backyard, the Labour Party are weak and discredited."