Left-wing firebrand Diane Abbott has topped the first major opinion poll since she entered the Labour leadership race - despite not having the declared support of any MPs.

The strongest backing for the Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP in the poll came from Tory and Lib Dem voters.

Research by the Politics-Home website shows Britain's first black female MP is a more popular choice for Labour leader than the front-runner David Miliband.

Miss Abbott, 56, who appears on BBC's This Week, was the first choice of 19 per cent of people, putting her ahead of Mr Miliband on 18 per cent, his brother Ed on 12 per cent, Andy Burnham on 8 per cent, Ed Balls on 7 per cent and John McDonnell on 5 per cent.

Her high media profile could explain her performance in the poll, although the backing from non-Labour supporters could be intended to get Labour to appoint the candidate least likely to win a general election.

By last night she and Mr McDonnell had still failed to secure any of the 33 nomination needed to contest the leadership.

Both Milibands have 33, while Mr Balls and Mr Burnham have 14 and 8 respectively.

Among Labour supporters, David Miliband remains the strong favourite, with a 31 per cent share of the vote, followed by his brother on 18 per cent. ]

By Daily Mail