LABOUR members yesterday rejected Blairite candidates in favour of party leftwingers in a key internal election.

Rightwinger Peter Wheeler was booted off the party’s national executive committee (NEC) in favour of NHS worker Kate Osamor, who stood on the left-wing Grassroots Alliance slate.

Ms Osamor told the Star: “I’m really chuffed with this result. Now I’ll be working to win the next election and make sure a Labour government delivers a proper anti-austerity alternative.”

Party members elect six reps to the 33-strong committee — which also includes the leader and deputy leader, trade unionists and MPs’ reps — every two years.

The poll was topped for the third time running by former London mayor Ken Livingstone. The Grassroots Alliance took 55 per cent of the vote, an increase of 8 per cent on two years ago. Sitting leftwingers Ann Black and Christine Shawcroft were also comfortably re-elected.

A right-wing slate organised by grouping Labour First only managed to get two of its candidates — Ellie Reeves and Johanna Baxter — elected.

Both are high-profile incumbents and are considered “moderates” rather than Blairites.

Pro-business lobby group Progress caused a spat on the Labour right by declining to support Ms Reeves in an email signed by Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell, as they considered her too left wing.

A source close to the election told the Star that Progress only sent out a further email with Ms Reeves’s name in it after a senior shadow cabinet figure shouted down the phone at Progress deputy director Richard Angell.

Progress-backed Kevin Peel and Florence Nosegbe fared badly, finishing 10th and 12th out of 13 candidates.

The Star broke the news to Ms Shawcroft, who said: “I’d like to thank everyone who supported me and the Grassroots Alliance.

“Members voted by a clear majority for candidates opposed to austerity and austerity-lite. That’s a clear message for the party to take forward to the general election and beyond.”

Ken Livingstone

The former London mayor quit Labour after Tony Blair fixed a party selection against him — but was soon brought back into the fold. Championed Lutfur Rahman’s re-admission.

Ann Black

The conciliatory former party chair and computer programmer is famed for her in-depth reports of meetings and vigorously ensuring party staff follow the rules. 

Ellie Reeves

A trade union lawyer and sister of shadow cabinet member Rachel, she is associated with Labour’s traditional right but is respected across the party spectrum.

Christine Shawcroft

A teacher and editor of the left-wing Briefing magazine. This year she overcame a serious attempt by the right wing in her own constituency to prevent her from standing.

Kate Osamor

An NHS worker and member of Unite’s London political committee, she has been outspoken on community relations in her Tottenham constituency. 

Johanna Baxter

A Prospect official, she first won a place in 2011 after Oona King was elevated to the House of Lords. This year she was endorsed by the right-wing Labour First grouping.