Labour will win back the support of lost voters by showing how the party can “make a difference”, Ed Miliband has said.

The Opposition leader said Labour would “learn the lessons of Bradford” and focus on local issues.

Last week’s shock Bradford West by-election result – where the Respect party’s George Galloway won by 10,000 votes, overturning a 5,000 Labour majority – showed wavering support for the party.

Speaking during a visit to Toyota in Burnaston, Derbyshire, today, Mr Miliband said his party would win back the favour of the public – who in recent polls listed him alongside David Cameron and Nick Clegg as being the worst leaders in history – by setting itself apart.

He said: “My answer to that is to show how in these tough times Labour can make a difference.”

Mr Miliband faces a vital test of support on May 3 – with elections in England, Scotland and Wales – and goes into the campaign with healthy national opinion poll leads over the Tories.

Meanwhile, Mr Galloway predicted his party would win up to 15 seats on Bradford Council in next month’s election.

The newly elected MP told the Telegraph & Argus his party will be fielding candidates in all Council wards.

Mr Galloway said: “There are 15 seats we stand an outstanding chance of winning.

“It has been a helter skelter ride, but we had 300 applications to stand as candidates and have almost finished selecting.”