LONGSTANDING MP Andrew Smith offered his public support to Labour leadership outsider Jeremy Corbyn with minutes to spare as ballot papers for the election were finalised yesterday afternoon.

Mr Smith announced on social media website Twitter: “In the last minute I put in leadership nomination for Jeremy Corbyn. Important to the debate and many party members that he is on the ballot.”

The Oxford East MP, who has represented the area since 1987, did not endorse Mr Corbyn’s campaign, but did state it was important that the left wing of the party should be represented in the election.

Mr Corbyn made it onto the ballot with the backing of 36 Labour MPs.