Critics object to 'strong women'

The Labour MP at the centre of a bitter re-selection row has claimed some of her critics in the party did not like "strong women who won't be controlled".

Labour suspended business at the East Lothian constituency party amid the dispute involving Anne Moffat.

It is now effectively overseen by the party's National Executive Committee, pending an internal inquiry.

Ms Moffat told BBC Scotland she wanted to see the East Lothian Labour Party working effectively once more.

She was reselected to stand in East Lothian at the next Westminster election on the back of votes by affiliates, largely trades unions, under party rules.

"I look forward to the outcome so I can represent the best interests of the people of East Lothian"
Anne Moffat
Labour MP

Local party members were split over whether to automatically endorse her.

Ms Moffat told BBC Scotland's Politics Show this may have been part of the problem, but added: "Maybe it's just something a certain quarter in East Lothian don't like and that's working with women - particularly strong women who won't be controlled."

She went on: "I'm my own person. There are some people within East Lothian that would like to be able to dictate how a politician does the job - well I'll do the job as best as I can for my constituents and all party members, not just individuals."

Ms Moffat also said complaints about her had been personal, rather than about her ability to do the job, adding: "Every time people are asked 'what is it the problem you have with Anne Moffat', they've never been able to answer the question."

The MP also insisted that Scottish Labour Leader Iain Gray - the MSP for East Lothian - had taken the right decision to take a back seat in the dispute.

"He has shown me nothing but support on a personal level, for which I'm grateful," Ms Moffat said.

She added: "This has been an ongoing dispute for a very long time and it's become pretty nasty for me at times, but I'm glad now that the party's taken over.

"There's going to be an internal investigation and I look forward to the outcome of that so I can get on, without being hampered, to represent the best interests of the people of East Lothian."

In a statement, Mr Gray said: "This is a matter for the constituency Labour Party and the party at a national level.

"I am pleased that the National Executive Committee is seeking to resolve it and I hope that will happen quickly.

"My work as the local MSP continues as usual."

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