Ed Miliband has denied a rift with Scottish Labour over the continuing row about allegations of attempted vote-rigging in Falkirk.

The Labour leader is under pressure to re-open Labour's inquiry into claims the Unite union tried to ensure its favoured candidate was selected to fight the next general election.

It follows comments by his party's former chancellor, Alistair Darling, who suggested the inquiry should be re-started and its findings published.

Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont has also suggested the issue needs to be looked at.

Mr Miliband insisted he was working closely and "absolutely together" with Ms Lamont as he defended his handling of the row. He said he would not re-open the inquiry but also vowed to look at "any new evidence".

Mr Miliband added he had taken swift action on Falkirk. He said: "The candidate that attracted controversy has withdrawn, the party is in special measures. We have ended the union join scheme, no member recruited under that scheme will vote in the selection.

"We have special NEC selection process, we have one police inquiry initiated by the Labour party and we have a second police inquiry. On top of all that I have embarked on a major reform of our party right across the country. We have acted swiftly."

He added: "I am absolutely determined that we do not have a repeat of Falkirk anywhere."

Michael Matheson, the SNP MSP for Falkirk West, said the row proved that Johann Lamont was dancing to Mr Miliband's tune.

Mr Matheson said:"When Ms Lamont was appointed leader of the Labour Party in Scotland she claimed that the Labour party in Scotland was now to be run, by her, in Scotland.

"But what has been proven in recent days is that London is still in charge of the Labour party in Scotland."

Lorraine Kane, one of those at the centre of claims they were signed up as Labour members without their knowledge has already denied changing evidence she gave the Labour inquiry.