Jeremy Corbyn-backer Len McCluskey accuses Labour moderates of using Unite rival Gerard Coyne to pull the union back from the left

RED Len McCluskey has accused Labour moderates of using his Unite rival Gerard Coyne to unseat him and pull the union back from the left.

It came as Jeremy Corbyn's main union backer - who has quit the union to trigger an early election - insisted there needed to be "control" of the “labour supply” but he wasn't against free movement.

He was later accused of “backsliding” by hard-left challenger and union organiser Ian Allison who has announced he will seek nominations to join the leadership race.

Launching his bid to be re-selected as head of Unite, Mr McCluskey called for curbs on migrant workers and “safeguards to stop companies cutting costs”.

The move appeared to put him at loggerheads with Mr Corbyn and Diane Abbott who have passionately defended free movement and attacked calls for any curbs on immigration.

Mr McCluskey said: "Unions understand that workers have always done best when the labour supply is controlled and communities are stable.

“While we must reject any form of racism, and help refugees fleeing war, we must also listen to the concerns of working people.

“They understand that the free movement of labour means downward pressure on wages, in some sectors at least.”

Senior Unite official Gerard Coyne will challenge Mr McCluskey for the £140,000 a year job as general secretary of the union which has 1.4m members.

Mr Coyne has accused Mr McCluskey of “playing Westminster power games” by intervening in Labour party disputes.

The election will take place in April.