Labour leader hopeful Rebecca Long-Bailey has rapidly overtaken the favourite for the top job.

A new poll shows Ms Long-Bailey – a politically inclined natural successor to Jeremy Corbyn – has pushed Sir Keir Starmer into second place.

The Survation survey of Labour members suggests Ms Long-Bailey would take 42% of first preference votes.

Sir Keir would garner 37%.

The final ballot is counted on a preferential system.

Members vote on a list of five candidates.

The final ballot is carried out using a preferential system, with members able to order the candidates one to five.

If none wins 50% in the first round the person lying fifth is eliminated and their second preference votes are re-distributed.

This knock-out carries on until one candidate has a majority.

If the final count was a straight fight between Ms Long-Bailey and Sir Keir the poll suggests she would end up winner – 51 to 49.

Labour MPs and MEPs have supported Sir Keir in the nomination round – he picked up 88 votes and Ms Long-Bailey 33.

But the real contest is decided by Labour Party members.

Under Mr Corbyn’s radical left-wing leadership its membership touched 500,000.