Linda Bellos was interviewed by police last year over her comments about transgender rights activists, but no charges were forthcoming

A veteran Labour activist who opposes the inclusion of transgender candidates on all-women shortlists is facing a private prosecution for remarks about transgender rights campaigners.

Linda Bellos, a feminist, was interviewed under caution this year after being reported to police for saying she was willing to “thump” transgender activists. North Yorkshire police decided not to press charges but Giuliana Kendal, a transgender rights campaigner, is bringing a private prosecution.

Fierce infighting has plagued the Labour membership over the past few months, with many feminists criticising party rules that allow self-identifying transgender women to be included on all-women shortlists.

Ms Bellos, 67, a friend of Jeremy Corbyn, was speaking at a feminist event in November last year when she said: “If any one of those bastards