KEZIA DUGDALE was accused of “farcical” behaviour today after she demanded a speaking slot at Scottish Labour’s annual conference for a leading Labour rightwinger who has in fact resigned.

In a letter to her successor Richard Leonard, the former Scottish Labour leader said there was “no formal opportunity” for MEPs Catherine Stihler and David Martin to address the party’s conference in Dundee this weekend.

But Ms Stihler actually resigned from the European Parliament in January to take up a private-sector role.

Grant Aitken, who represents Scotland on Labour’s National Policy Forum, said: “Given that Stihler has resigned, it is farcical to see Kezia demanding a speaking slot for an ex-MEP at a conference.

“One can only question why she would be pulling such stunts before what should be a good weekend for members to come together and discuss policy.”

Ms Dugdale also argued there was no “formal item to thank” Mr Martin and Ms Stihler on the agenda.

She also said she was “shocked to discover from Catherine that her statement in the conference guide had been amended without her consent.”

She said a call for a second referendum on Brexit had been removed from the text.

A Scottish Labour source said: “This was a genuine misunderstanding and Richard has written to Catherine and David to apologise.”

Meanwhile the SNP issued a press release claiming it was “a conference resolution” submitted by the MEPs that was “censored by Richard Leonard himself” – rather than a message in the guide. 

A spokesman for Ms Stihler said: “Catherine is a long-standing supporter of a People’s Vote and will be making her views clear as a Labour Party member at this weekend’s conference.”

A spokesman for Ms Dugdale said: “Kezia has made her views clear about Catherine and David getting recognition.

“Just to clarify, the email relates to the conference report booklet text.”

Conrad Landin is Morning Star Scotland editor.