CONOR McGinn has thrown his backing behind Andy Burnham in the race to be the next leader of the Labour Party.

Former St Helens schoolboy and Leigh MP Burnham is seen by many as the early frontrunner following Ed Miliband's decision to resign following the general election defeat.

Speaking exclusively to the Star Conor McGinn MP for St Helens North said: "Andy has been a friend and colleague for many years. He is well known to people in St Helens having attended school in Newton-le-Willows and representing the neighbouring constituency of Leigh.

"I'm backing Andy to be the next Labour leader because I think he has what it takes not just to rebuild our party but to rebuild our country as the next Prime Minister.

"We need someone who understands what people feel and what people want wherever they are and whoever they are. Andy is the man to do that."