Leaders of Unite have backed plans to reform the historic link between Labour and the unions.

The executive of Unite held a special meeting to discuss a paper drawn up for Labour leader Ed Miliband by Lord Collins, a former union and party official.

Mr Miliband called for changes in the wake of a row over Unite's involvement in the selection of a Labour candidate in Falkirk.

He wants union members to opt in to join Labour rather than be automatically affiliated.

Unite will now support the proposals when they are discussed at a special Labour conference next month.