Scottish Labour leadership hopeful Neil Findlay yesterday issued a direct challenge to the party establishment over ballot papers which could favour Blairite candidate Jim Murphy.

Mr Findlay said it was “insulting” to thousands of Labour members and trade unionists supporting his campaign that their nominations for him had been left off the ballot papers — but MPs’ nominations for Mr Murphy had been included.

“I view all parts of our Labour Party as equal so I am surprised that only MPs’ and MSPs’ nominations have been included,” the left-wing Lothians MSP said.

“It is insulting given the effort and expense members, CLPs, trade unions and socialist societies went to organise special meetings and consultation events.”