Any split between UK and Scottish Labour would be detrimental to the entire party, the new shadow Scottish secretary insisted, as he called for a move beyond "individual personality conflicts" after the leadership race.

Dave Anderson issued a plea for unity during a two-day visit to Scotland in which he met with union representatives in Aberdeen.

He also denied reports he said he had been snubbed by Scottish leader Kezia Dugdale, stating he was in "constant dialogue" with the MSP and her office.

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The Blaydon MP took over the shadow cabinet role after Labour's only Scottish MP Ian Murray quit in protest against Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

Ms Dugdale has also spoken out against My Corbyn's bid to stay on as leader.

The bitter battle for control of the UK party - with Mr Corbyn fighting off a challenge from Owen Smith - has led some Scottish Labour figures to advocate for an independent party north of the border.

Mr Anderson said: "All of us, wherever we come from in the party, should get behind the person who is elected as leader and do everything we can to focus on the real split in this country, which is the split between those who have and those who haven't.

"We should focus on that rather than our own individual personality conflicts and differences."

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On a UK Scottish Labour split, he said: "There is absolutely no evidence that is being suggested or mentioned by anyone that could happen.

"I would hope that whoever is the leader of our party that never happens. Any split of that kind will only be detrimental to all of us."

He dismissed reports he had claimed Ms Dugdale blanked him as "incorrect", stating that diary clashes meant a meeting was not possible on this visit.

He plans to meet the Scottish leader "as soon as possible" and wants to have "the best possible relationship".

Mr Anderson also sought to clarify comments on future coalition deals with SNP at Westminster.

"It is far too early to even contemplate that, but what I am not prepared to do on behalf of the Labour Party nationally is to rule that out completely," he said.

"If that is the price that we have to pay to prevent another rabid right-wing Tory government then, I tell you what it is, we have got to at least think about it and discuss it.

"Three and a half years before a possible general election it is a conversation we don't need to have.

"Obviously Scottish Labour would be the loudest voice in the room if and when we ever ... have to contemplate coalition."

READ MORE: Scottish Labour react furiously to SNP coalition comments from new shadow Scottish Secretary

Mr Anderson's visit to Aberdeen comes amid a long-running dispute over pay for North Sea workers.

Union members have already taken industrial action in protest at cuts in pay and allowances, and are due to stage another series of strikes starting next week if the deadlock with employer Wood Group cannot be broken.

Speaking at union Unite's offices, Mr Anderson said: "I think they (workers) are quite legitimate in saying that when someone is trying to cut your income by 31%, mess about with the quality of your life and possibly put your life at risk, I think strike action is the least thing people should be contemplating."