BOLTON is backing Burnham — with MPs, council chiefs and residents coming out in support of the Leigh MP in his bid to become the new Labour party leader.

Andy Burnham is vying to succeed Ed Miliband as the party’s leader and has secured the backing of two of Bolton’s three constituencies after member voting.

Mr Burnham, the shadow health secretary, received the official nomination of Labour members in Bolton West and Bolton South East — with Bolton North East voters opting for shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper.

But the Leigh MP has also gained the support of both Bolton Labour MPs as well leading Labour councillors in Bolton — with a general consensus that he can bring the party back into government.

Nationally, however, it is left-wing Islington MP Jeremy Corbyn who has taken a surprise lead in the polls and is the current favourite to land the top job.

Mr Corbyn has also been backed by unions in Bolton, with Bolton Unison publicly supporting the veteran MP at a recent branch meeting.

Bolton North East MP David Crausby said: “Andy is absolutely the right man for the job and has the right background.

“He has a proper understanding of what is required in places like the north and I think it is about time we had a leader who is from northern England.

“I have sympathies with some of what Jeremy Corbyn is saying, but the most important thing is to win an election and there is little point in electing a leader who can’t do that — Andy Burnham will attract the votes we need from the centre ground.”

Fellow MP Yasmin Qureshi, who represents Bolton South East, said: “Andy is very articulate and warm and he can connect with people across the country — he will be a very solid leader.”

Bolton Council’s major players, including council leader Cliff Morris, will also be voting for Mr Burnham as leader.

Executive cabinet member, Cllr Nick Peel described the Leigh MP as a “formidable politician”.

He added: “I think people can look at him and see a Prime Minister in waiting.

“It is important that the Labour Party does not just elect the person they think is the best to represent the party.

"They should elect the person who will best represent the country — because we have lost the last two General Elections.”