A former Labour minister has pulled out of the race to be a general election candidate in Glasgow amid claims of interference by the UK party.
Frank McAveety has withdrawn after a row over other potential candidates in the selection being blocked.
McAveety, who served as an MSP between 1999 and 2011, was trying to be a candidate in the twinned seats of Glasgow East and Glasgow North East.
Claims of a stitch up surfaced after two members, trade unionist Shona Thomson and activist Declan McLean, were blocked at a local level from standing.
Scottish Labour judged that the rules had not been followed correctly and the process was suspended.
The Record has been told there was involvement by the UK party over the prospect of McAveety being the candidate.
McAveety, a veteran councillor in Glasgow, said: "I have been proud to represent my community, Scottish Labour and the people of Glasgow over many decades.
"Standing up for the people of the East End and for Labour values remains my focus.
"Glasgow deserves better than this failed SNP council and this out-of-touch Tory government.
"While I will no longer seek selection in the Glasgow East/North East contest, I remain dedicated to fighting for my community, my city and my party."
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