LABOUR’s new leader Ed Miliband has received a mixed reception in East Lancashire after edging out his brother David.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones declared his early backing for Ed Miliband, and gave his first preference vote to him in the leadership election.

His second, third and fourth preferences were shared between Ed Balls, Andy Burnham and David Miliband.

But former Justice Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw gave his first preference vote to David Miliband and his second and third picks to Mr Burnham and Mr Balls respectively.

Former Burnley county councillor and party branch treasurer Tony Martin, who toured the town’s Thompson Park with the new leader, welcomed his appointment.

Mr Martin said: “It is a fantastic result for Labour and, I believe, for Burnley.

“Ed has been here, seen Burnley, met its people and I know he understands what Burnley needs.

I am proud to have brought our next Prime Minister to Burnley to show him our town.”

Former Pendle Labour MP Gordon Prentice said: “A new generation has taken over and, with it, an end to the feuds, cronyism and patronage that so disfigured the Blair and Brown years.”

“I am sure Ed will be as good as his word and run a leadership that is open, inclusive and collegiate.”