Owen Smith promises more power for party members

Owen Smith has promised to hand over more power to party members and give them final sign-off on manifesto pledges as the race to be Labour leader enters its final month.

Smith is locked in a fierce leadership contest with Jeremy Corbyn, with the winner due to be announced on September 24.

The first ballot papers for the election were being sent out yesterday to the estimated 640,000 members and supporters who will be tasked with choosing between the pair.