LABOUR sources have dismissed “absurd” bullying claims over the postponed election of a new chair for the National Policy Forum (NPF).

Saturday’s vote was postponed by national executive committee (NEC) officers group as insufficient notice had been given.

Some claimed the NEC had delayed the vote because it feared Andi Fox, dubbed the “trade union” candidate, would be beaten by Ann Black. The claim was taken up by right-wing MPs to attack Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.

One Labour source said the bullying claims were “absurd.”

“The NEC is responsible for the rules and was merely making sure they were followed,” they said.

Another source said seven days’ notice was required for a vote to be valid: “That’s why the NEC ruled out an election at its first opportunity.”

A Momentum source rejected allegations the group was behind the delay, pointing out that only one of eight NEC officers group members had their backing.

“This motion was carried by the trade unions — who have a clear majority on the group — but obviously that doesn't fit the paranoid fantasies of a small minority in the party.”