Beast of Bolsover
Dennis Skinner MP - also known as the Beast of Bolsover - has surprised many of his colleagues by coming out in favour of David Miliband in the Labour leadership race.
The famously left wing MP had been expected to vote for Diane Abbott - the left candidate and fellow Campaign Group member - because Dennis actually nominated Diane when she was struggling to get enough support to throw her hat into the ring.
But Dennis has decided that David Miliband is the candidate best placed to beat the Tories - and to take on the coalition government.
Ed Miliband has also received an unexpected boost - with an opinion poll in today's Sunday Times - predicting he will win a narrow victory over his brother, David, once second preference votes are transferred.
So it looks to close to call - and may go right down to the wire - although one thing is clear: Labour's next leader will be one of the Miliband brothers.
The famously left wing MP had been expected to vote for Diane Abbott - the left candidate and fellow Campaign Group member - because Dennis actually nominated Diane when she was struggling to get enough support to throw her hat into the ring.
But Dennis has decided that David Miliband is the candidate best placed to beat the Tories - and to take on the coalition government.
Ed Miliband has also received an unexpected boost - with an opinion poll in today's Sunday Times - predicting he will win a narrow victory over his brother, David, once second preference votes are transferred.
So it looks to close to call - and may go right down to the wire - although one thing is clear: Labour's next leader will be one of the Miliband brothers.
