EAST Lancashire Labour MPs Kate Hollern, Julie Cooper and Graham Jones are backing Andy Burnham for the party leadership.

As ballot papers go out to 600,000 members and affiliates, all three believe the Leigh MP offers the best prospect of electoral victory and national change.

Their support will be a valuable boost for the former Health Secretary as he tries to catch up with left-winger and North London MP Jeremy Corbyn who has become the surprise runaway leader in the contest.

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A number of senior Labour figures, including Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Lord Kinnock and David Miliband have warned about the dangers of electing Mr Corbyn as leader.

The other two candidates are Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall.

Mrs Hollern, elected Blackburn MP in May in succession to long-serving ex-Cabinet Minister Jack Straw said: “It’s difficult but I am backing Andy Burnham. I have worked with him and believe he is the one who can talk to ordinary voters about Labour’s values.

“I don’t have a problem with Jeremy Corbyn and I agree with a lot of what he says, but I think Andy is the one who can help us win an election and do something for ordinary people in the country and East Lancashire.”

Mrs Cooper, chosen as Labour MP for Burnley in the General Election, said: “I shall be voting for Andy Burnham. He is the candidate who can talk to ordinary people on the doorstep in Burnley and East Lancashire and get our message across.

“Andy has experience and I think he is Prime Ministerial material. I think he can unite the party.”

Hyndburn MP Mr Jones said: “I am supporting Andy Burnham.

“I think he is the best candidate. He is not surrounded by a Westminster group of MPs or part of any London clique.

“I think he is the one who speaks to East Lancashire voters in a way they can understand.”

Mr Straw said: “I am voting for Yvette Cooper. I have worked with her and think she is the best qualified for what is the worst job in politics. My second choice would be Andy. I like Jeremy but I do not think he would be a credible and electable leader of the Opposition.”

Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle was on holiday and unavailable for comment.