LABOUR’S candidate in the Oldham West & Royton by-election has confirmed he would vote against bombing Syria.

Jim McMahon made the commitment on Saturday evening in a speech to activists who braved heavy downpours to hit the doors for his campaign.

The Oldham Council leader is the odds-on favourite to retain the Labour seat on Thursday and could be in Parliament for a vote as soon as Friday morning.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell joined Mr McMahon for a campaign day which saw 200 activists from across Britain flood the constituency.

Labour rightwingers have claimed that leader Jeremy Corbyn is unpopular in the constituency.

But Mr McDonnell rubbished the suggestion yesterday, telling Radio 5 Live Mr Corbyn wasn’t raised with him once.

“The media will interpret it as a referendum on Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership but most of the issues raised were bread-and-butter issues,” he said.

Mr McDonnell predicted Labour would see off a determined challenge from Ukip, saying: “I think we’re going to win it and I’m hoping we’ll win it well.”

Momentum, the grassroots activists group formed following Jeremy Corbyn’s election victory, organised free buses to help 150 members take part in Saturday’s campaign day.

Right-wing faction Labour First claimed last week that Momentum was “harassing and bullying” Labour MPs over Syria instead of taking part in the by-election campaign.

But Momentum spokesman James Schneider told the Star: “I hope people who are sceptical about us can see now that our aims of making the party more open and participatory can actually help Labour win elections.”