Labour Party leadership candidate David Miliband said he was delighted to be among the ‘real’ people after returning to his West Yorkshire roots yesterday.

He is one of five MPs in the race to become the next leader.

He revisited Newlaithes Primary School, in Horsforth, which he attended during the 1970s.

“It’s been a great day going back to my old primary school brought back memories,” said Mr Miliband. “It reminded me what community is really about and it’s really good to get to meet so many people from inside the party and outside.”

The MP for South Shields is travelling around the country.

“I think there’s a lot more happening around the country than the London media realise,” he said. “There’s far more energy and far more engagement than is generally recognised and it’s nice to be out amongst the real people.”

He told more than 50 people at Riddings Hall in Ilkley that he was the man to lead the party back to Government.