LABOUR leader frontrunner Andy Burnham has vowed to take on George Osborne following the budget which he called 'devastating' for Leigh people.

The Leigh MP, who is currently the bookies favourite to take over from Ed Miliband, has made a number of passionate speeches in the last week, pledging to make the labour party a "true opposition".

Speaking at a hustings in Leigh Sports Village, Mr Burnham said it was time for the Labour party to 'get up off its knees' and become the 'people's party' once more.

He also faced his political opponents head on — by inviting UKIP supporters to a meeting in Atherton.

Mr Burnham said: "The first change I will make to Labour is to make us a real opposition because there are people out there who are struggling.

"They have been hit very hard by what is happening and the first question will be 'who is speaking for me?'

"We just had a budget which will be pretty devastating for people here and across the North West.

"Most people here will be losers not winners, especially with the tax credits.

"This fella Osborne is who I expect to be taking on in the next general election and do you know what I'm going to show him? — what a proper northern powerhouse is like."

The budget ruled that support for children through tax credits was to be limited to two children, affecting children born after April 2017.

In Leigh, there are 7,300 families currently claiming and 5,200 of them are working families with children who could now be set to lose out.

Mr Burnham also revealed that he will be fighting to improve the National Living Wage which has been set at £7.20 an hour for working people aged 25 and over.

He added: "This government are doing damage to communities like Leigh. Young people who are struggling to make their way in the world have just had the rug pulled from under them and life made even harder.

"No wonder they look at Westminster and ask 'what are those people doing for me? — nothing except making it harder.

"A national living wage we were told — doesn't look very national to me when no-one under the age of 25 is included.

"Taking away housing benefit for people between 18 and 21, there are lots of people that need that support to get their foot on the ladder.

"I am worried about this party that I love and I have given my life to. It isn't in touch with people anymore — we are on the floor and I am not prepared to have it anymore. I will change the look, sound and feel of this party and get us up off our knees and fight back.

"I believe I am going to win. The time is right for a leader from the North West of England. I am not going to let you down.

"I will never forget where I come from and who has helped me get there. Leigh people are my bread and butter and that will never change."

According to bookmakers William Hill, 38 per cent of the bets they have taken so far have been for Andy Burnham — currently an 8/11 favourite.