SENIOR Labour MP Dave Watts yesterday told Ed Miliband’s internal critics to “shut up” in the wake of a damaging outburst by Simon Danczuk.

Mr Watts, who was chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party until last month, challenged colleagues to close ranks ahead of the general election.

He told the Morning Star: “Anyone who says anything that unhelpful this close to an election is damaging the party and helping the Tories.