The top court in the battleground state of Michigan has handed a victory to Donald Trump when it paved the way for the former president to appear on the primary ballot in next year’s election.

A week after Colorado’s Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that Mr Trump was not eligible to contest the primary on the basis that his involvement in the events of Jan 6 2021 could amount to “insurrection”, the Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from voters who wanted him similarly dropped.

“We are not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this Court,” the justices said in a brief order.

Mr Trump, the clear frontrunner to secure the Republican presidential nomination, was quick to praise the decision on social media, writing that the legal action had been part of an attempt by Joe Biden, the US president, and Democrats to “rig the election”.

He added: “The Michigan Supreme Court has strongly and rightfully denied the Desperate Democrat attempt to take the leading Candidate in the 2024 Presidential Election, me, off the ballot in the Great State of Michigan.”

A handful of states have heard legal challenges from opponents of Mr Trump who claim that a provision of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution bars from holding office those who engaged in “insurrection or rebellion” after swearing an oath to the United States.

The Colorado decision stood in contrast with the Minnesota Supreme Court, which last month decided the state party could put anyone it wanted on its primary ballot. It dismissed a lawsuit but said the plaintiffs could try again during the general election.

In both 2016 and 2020, Michigan was critical to determining the outcome of the presidential election. In 2016, it was one of several upper Midwest states Republicans flipped on their way to the White House.

In 2020, Mr Biden won it back, by just 150,000 votes. Recent polls have suggested Mr Trump is set to win back Michigan and its 16 electoral votes in 2024.