LABOUR leadership hopeful Ed Miliband visited Bolton and declared: “I’m the right man to lead the party back to power.”

The former climate change secretary took questions from a packed room of Labour activists as part of his gruelling nationwide tour to drum up support for his campaign.

Mr Miliband said: “I think it is important for all the candidates to get out and meet people and that is why I am delighted to be in Bolton.

“I am pleased that people are re-joining the Labour Party in the wake of the General Election defeat and we have to look at the things we did right and the things we got wrong. I believe that I am the right man to restore the faith in the Labour Party and lead us back to power. That said, whoever wins will get my full respect and it is essential we get back to being a united party and fighting against the cuts the Government are making.” Mr Miliband will be up against his brother, David, former education secretary Ed Balls, Leigh MP and former health secretary Andy Burnham and left-wing hopeful Diane Abbott.

Speaking about the rivalry between him and his older sibling, Mr Miliband said: “It is a bit strange to be up against him but it is important for the Labour Party to have strong candidates and I think we have five very strong contenders.

“Andy (Burnham) is someone I have a lot of respect for because he is a man who has strong principles and he believes in his politics. If he wins, then he will become leader, obviously, but if he doesn’t then I am certain he will play a big role in the future of the Labour Party.”

Mr Miliband was invited to Bolton by Bolton North East MP David Crausby.

Mr Crausby said: “I had a chance to speak to all the candidates and it is crucial that people who are going to shape the party and country are cross-examined by local supporters.

“David Miliband came up during the election, Andy was in Bolton last weekend and Ed Balls is keen to come as well.”

Labour members will cast their votes sometime in the late summer and the new leader is expected to be announced before the party’s annual conference in Manchester, this autumn.