Streatham member Linda Heiden, 65, who joined Labour last July to back Mr Corbyn, said: “This is meant to be a party representing ordinary people, representing the 99 per cent. To not allow us to vote was cynical.”
A member who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s a shameful stitch-up as far as I’m concerned. We were locked out.” Another claimed it could heighten the chance of a bid to deselect Mr Umunna, 37.
Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee gave each local party the option of nominating a candidate through a members’ vote or one by the party’s general committee.
Mr Umunna was unavailable for comment. But a party source said the decision was taken on practical grounds as arranging a short-notice members’ vote for a party with such a large membership would have been too difficult.
Mr Smith was campaigning in England today. A spokesman for Mr Corbyn’s camp, due to hold a rally in York tonight, said: “Our campaign seeks to extend democracy in the party and use the talents and ideas of all members.” The election result is set to be announced in September.
