A new leader of Britain’s builders is needed after former general secretary Alan Ritchie was removed from office over voting irregularities.

Problems with Ritchie’s election were made public by Dooley who has secured the backing of 30 Ucatt branches in the new leadership race.

But Ucatt council members have now suddenly decided that Dooley can’t run for office.

It is also understood that Ritchies has been barred for re-running despite hi desire to do so.

The decision has stunned rank-and-file union members and Dooley is planning to challenge the ban in the High Court.

He is seeking a High Court injunction to prevent the union from proceeding with the election in November without his name on the ballot paper.

Dooley said: “Why not allow all the candidates to state their position on the election address and allow the members to decide?

“Then get behind the democratically elected candidate and work together to establish a strong union in the construction industry.”