A petty feud between the two most powerful women in Ed Miliband ’ s inner circle has rocked the Labour Party . The dispute between the party ’ s Election chief Lucy Powell and Chief Whip Rosie Winterton flared up over an invitation to the Brit pop music awards on the night of a crucial Commons vote . Insiders say the row brought simmering tensions between the starkly contrasting pair – both rivals for Miliband ’ s ear – to a head . Flare-up : Election chief Lucy Powell , 40 , left , and Chief Whip Rosie Winterton , 56 , became embroiled in a dispute over Ms Powell 's Brit Awards plans . It was caused by the desire of 40-year-old Ms Powell – who is tipped as a future Labour leader – to attend the Brits ‘ pre-party ’ where guests mingle with pop stars . But Ms Winterton , 56 , ordered Ms Powell to stay at Westminster for a vote called by Miliband to ban MPs having second jobs . One source said : ‘ Rosie told her she had no right to miss the vote to go hobnobbing with Madonna and Co. ’ The argument reportedly intensified when Powell was told she had a special duty to be there because the ‘ second jobs ’ debate was partly the responsibility of Labour ’ s Shadow Cabinet Office team , which includes her . In the end , Ms Powell backed down and took part in the vote . But she still managed to get to the main Brits Awards event at London ’ s O2 Arena . Yorkshire-born Ms Winterton , who has never married and is renowned for her black leather boots , revels in her role in charge of party discipline . Commenting on the dispute , one source said : ‘ Rosie told her she had no right to miss the vote to go hobnobbing with Madonna ( pictured falling on stage ) and Co ’ at the Brits . She learned her backroom wheeler-dealing skills from her mentor and close friend John Prescott , who gave her first break in politics – as tea girl in his office in 1980 . Stylish Lancashire-born brunette Ms Powell has had a meteoric rise through the party ’ s ranks . Only two years after becoming an MP , Miliband put her in charge of his Election campaign in November . A Labour MP said : ‘ Lucy and Rosie are a generation apart and totally different in their approach to politics . ‘ We have been waiting for this dust- up to occur. ’ A Labour spokesman said last night : ‘ There is no truth in this allegation . ’
Election chief Lucy Powell planned to mingle with stars at Labour . But Chief Whip Rosie Winterton ordered her to stay at Westminster for vote . Ms Powell , 40 , backed down but still made it to music awards main event . Insiders say row brought simmering tensions between the contrasting pair .