ANDY Burnham, one of four candidates vying to become new leader of the Labour party, was in Bradford last night to tell supporters he would be a "powerful advocate" for the city.

Mr Burnham, MP for Leigh since 2001, was speaking at the Khidmat Centre in Little Horton, making an appeal for support from party members before ballots close next Thursday.

He said he had enjoyed "tremendous" local support within the Bradford district, including long-term backing from Gerry Sutcliffe, the former Labour MP for Bradford South.

"Labour needs to unite, and I believe I am the person to do that," he said.

"We are no good to anyone in Bradford if we are talking about things in a way that is out of touch with the public.

"I have been a regular visitor to Bradford and know the city well, and I agree it has been forgotten about by previous governments.

"It has often missed out in relation to Leeds and Manchester, and has waited long enough to get its fair share of investment.

"I am somebody who, as leader, would be a powerful advocate for Bradford and the north."

The other candidates in the leadership contest, the results of which will be announced on September 12, are Yvette Cooper, Liz Kendall and Jeremy Corbyn.