Nolan clinches secretary role

Party bosses had ruled the original annual general meeting invalid and ordered a re-run of the election for office-bearers.

However, Mr Nolan was elected by ten votes to seven, defeating Mike Robb, chairman of the Edinburgh East constituency Labour party, and a front-runner to succeed retiring MP Gavin Strang.

Mr Robb denied the result was a setback for his chances, but a party insider described his defeat as "pretty damning".

Mr Nolan declined to comment.