A senior Labour party member has been suspended after the publication of an incendiary letter criticising a parliamentary candidate.

Ben Maloney, secretary of the Southgate constituency Labour Party, was reprimanded by the party for writing a letter critical of former MP Joan Ryan.

Ms Ryan is standing as the Labour party’s candidate in Enfield North.

Mr Maloney’s letter was addressed to the chairman of the Southgate Labour Party, but was published by political blogger Guido Fawkes on his website.

Three hours later, Mr Maloney received a letter informing him of his suspension.

A spokesman for the London Labour party said: "Ben Maloney has been suspended from representing the Labour Party at any level."