LABOUR members face a “depressing” choice in the leadership election without a left candidate, MP Diane Abbott told the Star yesterday.

 The outspoken left MP gave her verdict after three candidates hoping to succeed Ed Miliband gave major speeches on Friday about their vision for the party. 

Andy Burnham aped Blairite rivals Liz Kendall and Yvette Cooper in a pro-business speech designed to distance himself from Labour’s left. He described assembled bosses as “heroes” and said Labour had been “too easy” on benefit claimants.