LABOUR activists in Huddersfield have decided not to endorse any candidate for the party’s leadership.

Constituency parties had until 1pm yesterday to back one of the five MPs wanting to take over.

But activists in Huddersfield have decided not to endorse any candidate.

Around 20 members of the constituency party’s General Management Committee met at the Sikh Leisure Centre on Friday evening to discuss the matter.

Huddersfield Labour MP Barry Sheerman, who is supporting David Miliband, said: “I would have liked a decision to nominate someone, but the committee decided it was inappropriate.

“I’ve decided to write to all 350 local party members to ask them who they are backing. I’d like to be informed.”

The nominations announced yesterday show Mr Miliband is maintaining his early lead. The former foreign secretary has won the backing of 165 constituency Labour parties, including Batley and Spen – even though its MP Mike Wood has supported left-winger Diane Abbott.

Mr Miliband’s brother Ed has the support of 148 local parties, followed by former health secretary Andy Burnham on 44. Mrs Abbott has been endorsed by 20 constituency parties while former education secretary Ed Balls has the support of 17.

More than 250 constituency parties – including Huddersfield, Colne Valley, Dewsbury and Calder Valley – have not backed any candidate.