LABOUR’S Andy Burnham visited Colchester to rally support for his leadership bid.

Mr Burnham spoke at a packed Colchester Arts Centre on Friday night.

He is battling against Jeremy Corbyn, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall to be the party’s next leader.

Both favourite Mr Corbyn and Ms Cooper are set to visit Colchester in the coming weeks.

The event on Friday night saw councillors, party members and the general public quiz the shadowhealth secretary on hot topics such as housing, education, immigration and Europe.

A question and answer session was chaired by councillor Tina Bourne and former parliamentary candidate for Colchester, Jordan Newell, who are both backing Mr Burnham.

Mr Newell said: “The Arts Centre was at capacity – there was standing room only.

“People were queuing all the way down Church Street.

It was quite something.

“There were tough questions.

Andy handled it very well. The questions were on various topics, such as business and growth, welfare, education, Scotland and the SNP, immigration and Europe.”

Mr Burnham was also questioned on what he could bring to Labour as leader and about winning seats in Essex.

Mr Newell said Mr Burnham’s manifesto resonated with the people of Essex.

He said: “He talks about all the issues people on the doorsteps were raising with me during the General Election campaign.

“Although I support Andy I am really pleased the other candidates are going to be coming. It is a great chance to debate some really big issues.”

Ballot papers were sent out on August 14 with voting taking place by post and online.

The closing date for voting is September 10 with the result announced two days later.