The Labor Party's national executive has overridden an attempt by the Western Australian branch to dump two of its most prominent federal MPs.

Frontbenchers Gary Gray and Alannah MacTiernan were at risk of losing preselection for their seats of Brand and Perth because the pair refused to sign a "candidate's pledge", which would bind them to the policies and platform of the WA branch and force them to obey the directions of state secretary Patrick Gorman.

Both MPs submitted a redacted version of the pledge, along with their nominations, which the WA branch refused to accept.

However, the national executive has today intervened and approved both MP's nominations, meaning they can now contest preselection for their seats.

It has also directed the WA branch to amend its pledge for federal candidates to ensure it is consistent with the national version.

While Mr Gray has won his battle to nominate, he is not guaranteed to win pre-selection for his seat.

He is facing a challenge from Labor's Left, which is supporting 28-year-old electrician Adam Woodage, a member of the Electrical Trade Union, for pre-selection.

But it is clear Mr Gray, a former resources minister and national secretary, has the support of the party's leadership with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and senior frontbencher Anthony Albanese both backing his fight for pre-selection.

Mr Gray joined the Labor Party in 1974 and was national secretary of the ALP from 1993 to 2000.

He became the Member for Brand in 2007.