Backlash over Labour reform

Ed Miliband was facing a left-wing backlash last night over his move to scrap elections for places around Labour's top table.

The Labour leader will argue today that the current system, whereby votes for 19 places are held every two years, forces Shadow Cabinet members to "look inwards". His plan would give him full power to decide Shadow Cabinet positions. But left-wingers say the move is an attack on the party's democratic traditions.