Momentum today announced it will back Rebecca Long-Bailey for the Labour leadership.

The announcement by the Corbyn-backing campaign group will surprise few – but could prove a major boost to the left-wing hopeful.

Momentum, set up in 2015 to support Mr Corbyn, has tens of thousands of members who could have an influential role in the ballot.

And a Survation poll last night suggested the race is neck-and-neck among committed Labour members between Ms Long-Bailey and Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer.

The poll suggests a second round vote, if taken today, would see Ms Long-Bailey defeat Mr Starmer 51% to 49%.

A Momentum spokesperson commented: “Rebecca is at the heart of a new and diverse generation of socialists who recognise that we cannot return to the politics of the past.”

“She is an experienced, principled and inspiring candidate and our movement is proud to support her for leadership.”

The grassroots organisation vowed to 'mobilise thousands' to persuade Labour members to vote for Long-Bailey.

“I am proud and beyond grateful to be backed by an organisation that has revolutionised how we campaign," Long-Bailey added.

"I will deliver on the trust Momentum members have placed in me, with a plan to win the next general election and transform our country for the future.”

But Momentum's announcement came after it faced fury for balloting members on Ms Long-Bailey – without offering an alternative.

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  Momentum sends members a Labour leadership ballot with Rebecca Long-Bailey as the only option

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  Rebecca Long-Bailey ahead of Keir Starmer in new Labour leadership members poll

The organisation's leadership voted unanimously to back Ms Long-Bailey and her flatmate Angela Rayner to become deputy leader.

The pro-Corbyn campaign group then sent an email asking its 40,000 members to vote "yes or no'' on whether to endorse the recommendations made by the elected National Coordinating Group (NCG) for leader and deputy. 

Paul Mason, the former journalist and prominent Labour activist, who likened the move to a survey carried out by a "South American dictatorship".

He said: "As a Momentum member and somebody who has been protecting it against witch hunts, I think it is a very stupid thing to do."

A Momentum source told the Mirror that Ms Long-Bailey was the only leadership candidate who shares Momentum's aims and values.

The five candidates must win the backing of either 5% of local parties or three trade union bodies making up 5% of affiliates.

Keir Starmer has already won the backing of Britain's biggest union Unison, while Unite is expected to back Ms Long-Bailey.

The National Union of Mineworkers backed Lisa Nandy. Jess Phillips and Emily Thornberry are still pushing for nominations.

People who are not full members of the party or affiliated trade unions can sign up to vote as 'registered supporters' until 5pm today.

Members and union affiliates will have until 5pm on Monday 20 January to sign up for a ballot.

The ballot opens on Friday 21 February and closes at 12pm on Thursday 2 April.

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