David Cameron has accused the Hendon Labour Party of selecting “another union man” in Andrew Dismore after the politician was chosen as a candidate for the next general election.

The Prime Minister made his comments on a visit to a Hendon primary school yesterday, less than 24 hours after the Barnet GLA member was selected as Labour’s candidate for Hendon in 2015.

Mr Dismore, who has received party donations from the Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU) and admits to being “a union member since 1976”, lost the seat in 2010 to Conservative politician Matthew Offord.

The pair, both fierce political rivals, are now set to do battle once again but Mr Cameron said he felt confident Mr Offord was the right man to hold the seat for the Tories.

Speaking to the Times Series at St Mary’s and St John’s Primary School, in Prothero Road, the premier said:  “He (Matthew Offord) is doing a great job and he works very hard for the people in Hendon. He’s extremely effective in Parliament and he’s a valued member of the team.

“Labour have gone for the union man again. There’s a bit of a theme there with everything that Ed Miliband is doing with the steady growth of union power in his party. I’m confident Matthew is the right man and he’s got my backing all the way.”

The Prime Minister’s comments come a week after the Labour Party came under scrutiny over accusations union members were being signed up to the party to influence candidate selection.

Mr Dismore denied this week he was a “slave to the unions” and insisted there was no malpractice in Hendon.

He said: “I make no apology for being a union member. I’m not a slave to the unions, I have good working relationships with them and I know the FBU particularly well.

“The donations don’t come to me anyway, they go to the party for campaigning purposes. It doesn’t affect Hendon, there is no attempt to pack our membership with union members – though it would be good to see a few more in the party.”

Incumbent Hendon MP Mr Offord, who has previously accused Mr Dismore of fighting a “dirty campaign” at the last election, said he was unsurprised by the Labour Party’s decision.

He said: “As a union-favoured candidate, I had a little doubt he would be selected. As unpleasant as the campaign was last time, I’m looking forward to the contest.

“He’s now attempting to ride two horses by continuing as a London Assembly representative while running for Parliament and I believe he should resign from the GLA.”