Unite boss hits back at Murray’s ‘rigged’ claim

The head of the Unite union in Scotland has hit out at Ian Murray in an escalating row over the Scottish Labour leadership contest.

Pat Rafferty accused the Edinburgh South MP of making “slurs” against union members seeking to take part in the contest by becoming affiliated supporters.

Mr Murray sparked anger among some of his MP colleagues and supporters of union-backed candidate Richard Leonard by claiming the contest was being “rigged”.

The Unite Scotland secretary said the allegations “should not get a moment’s hearing” and called on Mr Murray to retract his claim.

In a statement, Mr Rafferty asked: “As the ballot for the leadership of the Scottish Labour party opens, why are there some in our ranks who see these developments as a cause for regret not rejoice?

“Instead of engaging in the policy offers from the two candidates… the slurs that swill around between some in the party and their friends in the media focus on the electoral process itself.”

He added: “I mention the MP for Edinburgh South because he appears to be have found an added day job to companion his constituency duties, firing off letters to the Scottish Labour General Secretary alleging this or that misdemeanour, insinuating that union members, chiefly Unite members, are in some way dodgy by seeking to use their legitimate trade union affiliation status to have a say in this election.”