LABOUR MP Beth Winter has accused the party of “undermining democracy” after losing out by a narrow margin in a controversial selection battle in Wales.

The socialist MP for Cynon Valley was defeated by neighbouring MP Gerald Jones, the shadow Wales minister, by 231 votes to 215, according to Welsh Labour today.

The selection contest for the new, merged constituency of Merthyr Tydfil and Upper Cynon was called following a boundary review.

Ms Winter said: “I’m disappointed by this result and by the unjust manner in which it came about, which leaves major questions outstanding.

“In this contest, I sought reselection as Labour’s candidate on a platform of solidarity with striking rail workers, nurses and teaching staff, all of who I have been proud to stand with on the picket line.

“I have campaigned for properly funded public services paid for by taxing the rich, an extension of workers’ rights including a £15 per hour living wage, the renationalisation of our public services and a ‘green new deal’ to deliver a jobs-led economic recovery.

“However, unacceptable obstacles were placed in the way of this grassroots campaign, undermining the democratic process.”

Voicing concerns she made before the result, she said the online-only process “was bulldozed through in just two weeks, with no face-to-face hustings,” adding this “was not a fair contest and I will be taking advice” in the coming days.

Mr Jones said on Twitter that he was “incredibly grateful” that members had chosen him, adding: “Britain is crying out for a [Labour] government [and] I’ll work flat out to make [Keir Starmer] our next Prime Minister.”

It comes amid mounting disquiet over the exclusion of socialist Mayor of North Tyne Jamie Driscoll from the Labour shortlist for the inaugural North East Mayor election.

A Momentum spokesperson said: “Once again a Labour Party selection is shrouded in controversy.

“Whether it’s Jamie Driscoll in the North East or Beth Winter in Cynon Valley, the Labour leadership is taking a sledgehammer to the democratic rights of local Labour members in order to purge socialists and install his loyalists.

“Sadly, we have witnessed more irregularities in this selection contest.”

The Labour Party has been contacted for comment.