UNITE reminded leading Blairite MP Ian Murray today that “no MP is entitled to their seat” after local union members triggered a reselection contest against him.

The Edinburgh South MP, who is a member of pro-business lobby group Progress and an opponent of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, will face a selection contest in his constituency.

The Morning Star understands that local Unite activists are furious at Mr Murray’s regular attacks on their union, including directly criticising the union for signing up its members to participate in the 2017 Scottish Labour leadership election.

He looks set to be the first MP to be triggered by an affiliate of Labour, rather than from local party branches.

An unnamed Unite spokesperson told Skwawkbox: “This decision was taken by Unite members following consultation with the relevant committees and branches of the union under our democratic processes.

“Our members are clearly concerned that Ian Murray has consistently undermined the Labour leadership in Scotland and at Westminster, and has on occasion attacked our union.

“No MP is entitled to their seat. It is for Mr Murray to now demonstrate why Unite members in Edinburgh South should return him as their representative.”

Mr Murray said: “It is disappointing that in the week where I’m leading the People’s Vote campaign in Scotland and working around the clock to maintain the cross-party coalition that’s defeating Boris Johnson’s disastrous Brexit in order to protect workers’ jobs and rights, that this is Unite’s priority.

“My constituents are my priority and I won’t be distracted from fighting for them.”