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Liverpool MP Louise Ellman has called for the suspension of a left-wing group within her party over fears it is trying to take it over.

Documents handed to the ECHO reveal efforts by far left activists to take control of Liverpool’s Riverside constituency Labour party and deselect the local MP.

An investigation into the left-wing Momentum group shows how some members are seeking to take over key positions within the local Labour party.

According to the dossier passed to the ECHO, the group – believed to be a small number of members with past links to far left groups – aims to take key roles to influence the constituency’s MP and councillors.

It says it is based on sources including a “closed Facebook group: Riverside Momentum Discussion Group” and “An invite-only Google group: Riverside Momentum”.

The group is claimed to have around 700 members and says recruitment is a key “pillar” of its strategy for the local party’s Annual General Meeting where key positions will be filled.

The investigation report, carried out by other local Labour party members, is also based on documents including “Socialism and Democracy in Riverside CLP: A preparation for the AGM” which outline a “two phase plan for mass recruitment into the Labour Party”.

This includes “the realisitic goal at the AGM of denying Ellman a supportive base within the local structures of the party”.

'Momentum are clearly operating against the best interests of and, in many instances, in direct opposition to the Labour Party.'

The investigation concludes that Riverside Momentum group “are actively planning to take control of the Liverpool Riverside” Labour party with the aim of bringing about “deselection of its sitting MP and Labour councillors”.

Riverside MP Louise Ellman said she was “appalled” by the “extent and nature of the organisation Momentum have been undertaking within Liverpool Riverside CLP”.

The MP said: “It is shocking to read that members of the Momentum group have been working to subvert not only the local Labour Party but also to undermine the admirable work of Labour-led Liverpool City Council, who have been doing an outstanding job in the face of savage Tory cuts.

“Momentum are clearly operating against the best interests of and, in many instances, in direct opposition to the Labour Party.

“Neither the Labour Party nor the people of Liverpool can afford to travel down this road again. The Party must now take firm action and move to suspend this group and the individuals responsible.”

The investigation says there are parallels between Momentum in Riverside and Militant in the 1980s, and describes “hostility” towards the MP, Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson and the Labour-run council.

It comes just over a week before the results of the Labour leadership battle are due to be announced in the party conference in the city at Labour’s annual conference between Jeremy Corbyn and challenger Owen Smith.

Momentum arose from the Jeremy Corbyn for Labour Leader campaign but describes itself as “independent, but supportive of, the Labour Party and Labour leadership”.

A North West Labour spokesperson said: “Any complaints of bullying or intimidation and allegations of misconduct are always taken very seriously. We would encourage anyone who has been the subject of threats to inform the regional party and contact the police.”

Momentum have been approached for a comment.