A Momentum and Unite union-backed candidate with close ties to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has lost the acrimonious selection battle to become the parliamentary candidate for Watford.

Taxi driver Mike Hedges came a distant second to local candidate Chris Ostrowski at a meeting of more than 300 Watford Labour members on Tuesday night.

The Telegraph understands Mr Ostrowski won with a decisive majority of over 70 per cent, meaning voting did not need to go to a second round. Mr Hedges garnered 26 per cent of the vote and two other candidates both polled in single digits.

Following the hustings, Mr Ostrowski, who stood as the Watford Labour candidate in the snap election, said: “I am humbled by the huge support I have received in this contest.

“We are now united and the Watford Labour Party is campaigning on full throttle as there could be a General Election any time.”