Ed Miliband backs Owen Smith in leadership contest

Ed Miliband has publicly backed Owen Smith to be the next Labour leader, saying he admires the Pontypridd MP’s “socialist roots”.

Former leader Miliband did not publicly support any candidate in last year’s contest, although is privately believed to have voted for Andy Burnham. He had also refused to criticise Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, until very recently, and was even tipped to be offered a Shadow Cabinet position until he described Corbyn’s position as “untenable” following the EU referendum.

Miliband nominated Smith yesterday, when Angela Eagle was still in the race, and has since released a statement encouraging people to sign up as registered supporters today and vote for the former Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary.

You can see all the MPs and MEPs who have nominated Smith so far here.

“I have known Owen Smith since he entered Parliament in 2010,” Miliband wrote on Facebook. “I have huge admiration for him. His values, his loyalty, his vision, his Socialist roots. In a few short days since he announced his candidacy he has already produced exciting ideas like a £200 billion British New Deal. If he can do this in a few days, think what he can do as Leader.

“I believe Owen can build a Labour Party and a country of which we can be proud.”

He said that while Theresa May claims in her speeches to support tackling inequality, it is more important than ever that there is a strong opposition to hold her to account:

“The irony is that Theresa May is claiming in her words to support Labour values, tackling inequality, improving life-chances. More than ever the country needs a strong Labour Party able to hold her to account and to show that the only way this can truly be a progressive moment is with a Labour government.”