Most Labour councillors in England and Wales have accused the party's ruling body of "an affront to the basic principles of democracy".

They said they were "extremely disappointed" at a recent intervention by the National Executive Committee.

It marks the first major clash between factions since an election tipped the NEC's political balance firmly in favour of Jeremy Corbyn.

The councillors said it was a "dangerous and alarming precedent" for the NEC to formally censure and call to pause Labour's Haringey branch for a controversial housing plan.

The scheme would see public land and commercial property transferred to a 50-50 partnership between the Labour-run council and private company Lendlease.


Image: Haringey had its controversial housing scheme formally censured

Leaders of nearly 70 Labour councils wrote a letter published in The Sunday Times claiming the action was "outside the party's rules" and rallying against future imposition.

They said: "This sets a dangerous and alarming precedent and we ask the NEC for categorical assurances that such circumstances will not arise again in relation to this or any other Labour Group.

"Labour councillors around the country are deeply concerned that, in seeking to mitigate Tory austerity by proposing radical new solutions, we face calls for disciplinary action against us.

"Such calls are uncomradely, disrespectful, and wilfully ignore the difficult and challenging role that we play in doing our best to protect the most vulnerable in our communities."

Battles between factions were feared as the pro-Corbyn element of the party gained control of one of the last party mechanisms that previously escaped their grasp.

Three of the slate's candidates, including Momentum founder John Lansman, won positions on the NEC earlier this month.

Labour has been contacted for comment.