ST HELENS South and Whiston MP has backed Owen Smith in the Labour leadership contest saying she believes he is the best choice to heal the "great schism" in the party.

Ms Rimmer told the Star she had voted against the vote of no confidence in Jeremy Corbyn last month stating there was "no provision" for it in party rules.

However, she emphasised her desire to see a leader able to unite the membership and Labour MPs adding that the current "polarisation" is damaging to the party's long-term prospects of a general election victory.

Former shadow secretary of state for work and pensions Smith will go head to head against Corbyn for the party leadership.

Ms Rimmer said: “Over the last few months I have witnessed a great schism in the party develop and grow wider and wider. This polarisation of the party is harmful to the long term prospects of us returning a general election victory for the Labour Party.

"What is needed now is a leader who can bring together the membership and the Parliamentary Labour Party that respects the right of individuals to have different views. We need to listen and develop policies that are relevant today and repair the damage and hurt suffered by so many people, and go on to build a nation that proves it truly cares about people by the good quality of life experienced by all."

Ms Rimmer added: “I believe that Owen Smith is the best choice to bring the party together and lead us in the fight against, the Tory government that continues to punish area like ours.

“I believe Owen gives us the best chance of defeating a government that is in disarray and returning a Labour government that this country so desperately needs. I have therefore decided to nominate Owen Smith in the current leadership contest.”

She added: “As a Labour Party member I have, and always will, remain loyal to the elected leadership of the party.

“I nominated Yvette Cooper in the leadership election in 2015. However, Jeremy Corbyn duly won that contest and I have supported Jeremy, to the best of my ability, throughout the last 10 months.

“During this time I have found Jeremy to be a truly decent and honest man. I voted against the ‘motion of no confidence’ in Jeremy because there is no provision for ‘a motion of no confidence’ within party rules.

"The only legitimate way for an incumbent leader to be challenged is as stated in Chapter 4, Clause II, 2B of the rule book, this has now happened."