Labour has cleared the Unite union of wrongdoing over allegations of selection rigging in Falkirk, prompting Conservative accusations of a 'stitch-up'. The party said an internal inquiry found no evidence of rule breaches after 'key evidence' was withdrawn, and lifted suspensions on Unite-backed candidate Karie Murphy and local party chairman Stevie Deans.
Murphy announced she was withdrawing as a potential general election candidate for the seat, citing a desire for 'reconciliation and unity'. The controversy had sparked a breakdown in relations between Labour and the trade union movement, with the GMB cutting £1 million from its affiliation funds in response to proposed reforms by Ed Miliband.
Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps claimed Unite general secretary Len McCluskey was 'calling the shots', while Labour insisted the steps would allow the party to move forward in selecting a candidate. The withdrawn evidence is believed to relate to claims that people were signed up as party members without their knowledge.
Murphy expressed shock and sadness over the affair but said her continued presence would detract from selecting a good candidate. The developments appear to draw a line under the Falkirk affair, though Miliband remains embroiled in difficult relations with unions ahead of his address to the TUC.
