Shields MP leads opinion poll
DAVID Miliband has cemented his position as the frontrunner in the Labour leadership race by trouncing his rivals in an opinion poll.
In a YouGov survey, 47 per cent said he was the "best alternative Prime Minister to Mr Cameron", while 19 per cent backed his brother Ed Miliband, 13 per cent Ed Balls, 11 per cent Diane Abbott and 10 per cent Andy Burnham.
The poll also had 43 per cent naming the South Shields MP as the best leader, with just 15 per cent backing his brother, 16 per cent Ms Abbott, 12 per cent Mr Balls and 11 per cent for Mr Burnham.
And a clear majority also said Mr Miliband, pictured, was the person most likely to make them vote Labour at the next election.
The results come as the ballot papers for the leadership contest have started dropping on the doorsteps of party members and trade union activists.
Mr Miliband's campaign manager, Douglas Alexander MP, said: "This poll is just the latest evidence that David Miliband is the public's choice for Labour leader.
"I see in my constituency why we need to defeat the Coalition's agenda of cruel cuts and return Labour to power. David is the person to lead us to victory."
But Ed Miliband got the backing of Baldrick - TV presenter and Blackadder star Tony Robinson said he was the right man for the top job.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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