HAZEL Blears is lying last in the list of candidates battling to become Labour's new deputy leader.

The Salford MP has the support of just seven per cent of party members, according to a survey, and trails behind Hilary Benn, education secretary Alan Johnson, Harriet Harman, Peter Hain and even left-winger John Cruddas.

The poll, by YouGov, sought the views of party members and members of trade unions affiliated to Labour.

Members and unions will both have one third of the vote. The other third is reserved for Labour MPs and Euro-MPs.

Mr Benn, the international development secretary, finished top of the poll, with 36 per cent of the Labour vote and 34 per cent among the unions. Mr Johnson was second, with 22 per cent (members) and 20 per cent (unions). Ms Blears had seven per cent support in each category.

YouGov polled all party and union members eligible to vote, rather than people who declared themselves likely to vote.

Campaigning hard

Ms Blears said: "It's early days and we've got to get through the local elections on May 3 first. After that I will be campaigning hard."

Ms Blears, born and raised in Salford and the city's MP since 1997, declared at the end of last month she would stand for the deputy leadership.

There has also been speculation that Jack Straw may stand.

John Prescott declared at the 2006 party conference in Manchester that he would stand down later this year, when Tony Blair leaves Downing Street.