The selection in a Labour target seat at the centre of a Unite union “rigging” row has been suspended after accusations of postal voting “irregularities”.

Labour has postponed the final selection hustings in Watford, which were due to be held on Thursday, and ordered the postal vote to be re-run after a complaint from the union.

The decision has provoked anger from local party members who say the move helps the Unite and Momentum candidate, Mike Hedges, who has close links to Jeremy Corbyn.

Mr Hedges, a taxi driver and Unite member, ferried Mr Corbyn around in the back of his cab during the 2015 Labour leadership contest.

His partner Jayne Fisher is a former Sinn Fein member of staff who previously worked in Mr Corbyn’s office.