Labour's top brass have vetted would-be MPs on their knowledge of Dancing on Ice and the pop charts, we can reveal.

Candidates for the plum seat of Stalybridge and Hyde were summoned to Westminster for a grilling by a high-level selection panel. But they were left stunned after being asked a string of questions on pop and showbiz.

The panel, – which included ex-ministers Keith Vaz and Tom Watson, a close ally of Gordon Brown – demanded to know what was number one in the pop singles chart and another about the cult ITV dance show.

Graham Stringer, Labour MP for Manchester Blackley, said: “This defies belief. It is a form of madness. I don't know about dancing on ice and neither would Gordon Brown or the majority of MPs. It is ridiculous.”

Constituents' disbelief: 'They should have been asked about the NHS'

The revelations emerged as local councillor Jonathan Reynolds was confirmed as Labour's candidate for the seat left vacant by the shock resignation of James Purnell.

Incredibly, Coun Reynolds was left OFF a shortlist drawn up by the panel after their bizarre quiz.

He was only reinstated after Lord Mandelson and Mr Purnell personally intervened amid accusations of a union-led 'fix'.

He won a final vote last night of ordinary party members – meaning he will get to defend the party's 8,348 majority at the general election.

We can now reveal details of the controversial vetting meeting. In addition to the questions about Dancing on Ice and the charts, candidates were also asked to name the last film they had seen and identify also to the home grounds of Hyde United and Stalybridge Celtic.

The hopefuls were also quizzed on the MPs' expenses scandal, health, and the best way to represent the constituency. It is understood not all of the candidates were asked all of the questions.

A spokesman for the Labour Party said: “We do not provide a running commentary of our selection process,” he said.

Coun Reynolds said: “It is an honour and a privilege.”

Conservative Party Chairman Eric Pickles said: "Labour clearly take the people of Stalybridge and Hyde for granted.

"While the Conservative candidate Rob Adlard is running a positive campaign and working hard to earn the support of voters, Labour don’t even bother to quiz their potential candidates on the main issues facing the people of Stalybridge and Hyde.

"With so much at stake, it’s clear more than ever that only Conservatives offer the energy, vision and leadership to bring about real positive change for the North West and the country."