Ritchie applied for an injunction to stop the ballot but his claim was rejected by the High Court.

The decision means the election can continue with a winner due to be announced on December 13.

Ritchie was stripped of office earlier this year following voting irregularities and is currently the subject of a disciplinary enquiry by the union.

He was also barred from standing for re-election by Ucatt leaders last month.

George Guy, Acting General Secretary of Ucatt, said: “This was a vitally important decision for Ucatt.

“The current General Secretary election is being conducted fairly and in accordance with the union’s rulebook and we look forward to announcing the winner on Monday 13th December 2011.

“This ruling will now allow the union to go forward, elect a new General Secretary and concentrate on representing construction workers.”

Former leadership candidate Mick Dooley has also been barred from standing and has lodged a complaint with the Certification Officer watchdog.

Dooley: “Problems still remain with the whole election process and I intend to get them sorted out.”