Local Labour party deselects MP Anne Moffat

Labour's ruling body will have the final say on Ms Moffat

Labour activists who accused their local MP of incompetence have voted to deselect her.

Anne Moffat, who represents East Lothian, has been in a bitter dispute with party members. She said she had suffered intimidation and persecution.

Local members decided she should not be the party's candidate in the general election at a meeting in Haddington.

Labour's national executive committee has the final say on her candidacy. Ms Moffat said she may appeal.

An earlier vote by the local party was lost by Ms Moffat.

The meeting on Friday evening voted to drop her as a candidate by 130 votes to 59.

I don't think that any of the claims that were levelled at me justify the position that we're in Anne Moffat MP

Party members have said she is not up to the job, has made unsubstantiated complaints to police and embarrassed the party during the expenses scandal.

She attracted criticism after claiming £40,000 in travel expenses between 2003 and 2004, more than any other MP.

Ms Moffat told BBC Scotland: "I don't think that any of the claims that were levelled at me justify the position that we're in, I think it's more about this in-fighting that's been going on for a very long time and not about a good case that my opponents actually have.

"But I'm going to consider that because I'm actually at the stage where I think maybe enough's enough.

"I would say I'll give it [appealing the decision] good consideration, it's likely."

'Move quickly'

A Labour Party spokesman said: "Members decided that Anne Moffat should not be the candidate at the general election.

"Anne has the right of appeal if she wishes to the NEC and must do so by Monday.

"If no appeal is received by then the Labour Party will move quickly to allow local party members to select a new candidate."

The Conservatives said Labour in East Lothian was in "turmoil", while the Liberal Democrats cited "personal feuds and egos".

The Scottish National Party called the local deselection a "debacle".