MARK SERWOTKA has become the most senior trade unionist to be banned from voting in the Labour leadership election, in a move branded “a total joke.”

The leader of public-sector union PCS has been a vociferous supporter of frontrunner Jeremy Corbyn, encouraging members of his union to vote for the left-wing MP.

Hitting back, Mr Serwotka said: “It is extraordinary to be told you cannot vote because you don’t share Labour’s values when no-one (from the party) has spoken to me.

“I voted precisely because I share the aims and values of Jeremy Corbyn on anti-austerity, equality, a fair society and strong trade unions.

“Those are the messages I wanted to positively vote for. I have thought for some time we need a new approach to politics in Britain rather than the same old same old, and that is what Jeremy Corbyn is offering.”

It has been suggested Mr Serwotka was banned for his involvement in the Socialist Alliance in the early 2000s and having voiced support for Respect. But he said he had not been a member of a party for 20 years.

The union leader, who is currently on the waiting list for a heart transplant, won cheers when he delivered a sharp rebuke to warmongering former prime minister Tony Blair at a rally for Mr Corbyn’s campaign.

“If I get called into hospital tonight, I will go into hospital hoping Jeremy wins, and I will come out of hospital with a new heart, still hoping Jeremy wins,” Mr Serwotka bellowed.

Mr Blair had cracked a joke suggesting transplants for Labour members who said “their heart” was with Mr Corbyn.