Police have been called in by the Manchester Gorton Labour party amid fears for the safety of members - following claims of bullying, intimidation and voting impropriety.

MP Sir Gerald Kaufman’s riven constituency party has now been suspended by party headquarters after reports of abusive behaviour by local members.

According to a letter from Labour head office, the CLP is now in discussions with Greater Manchester Police after members raised concerns over their safety.

Various figures and factions have long been jockeying for position in the party amid expectations that Sir Gerald, who is 86, is unlikely to fight the next election. Many local Labour figures view the safe seat as a target for their ambitions and had not expected Sir Gerald to stand in 2015.

A stormy meeting of the Levenshulme branch ten days ago has now prompted a stream of complaints to regional office alleging intimidation and bullying, as well as questioning the way votes were being counted.

Gorton will now be suspended while an investigation is carried out - meaning it cannot elect officers or take decisions.

The letter says: “Following the Levenshulme AGM on 2nd July 2016, a number of allegations have been brought to the attention of the national officers of the party.

“These allegations relate to the conduct of Labour party members both during and outside of Labour party meetings.

“They also relate to conduct of members of the CLP executive committee in administering internal ballots. Nearly all of the complaints received include concerns about the safety of members at future meetings - particularly the CLP AGM.

“All parties in this dispute agree that the safety of members is paramount and it is our understanding that conversations have taken place between the CLP and Greater Manchester Police.”

(Image: Sean Hansford)

A party spokesman said any such allegations are always taken seriously.

It is understood the in-fighting is not the result of hard-left ‘entryism’ blamed for CLP rows in other areas, but rather long-term manoeuvering ahead of the seat becoming vacant.

Although a CLP suspension is unusual, this is not the first time Gorton has repeatedly faced such sanctions over the years, dating as far back as the 1980s.