SENIOR Labour figures yesterday seized on Syriza’s “stunning” Greek election victory, imploring party leaders to inspire hope in Britain with a similar alternative to austerity.

Fifteen MPs issued a statement urging shadow chancellor Ed Balls to replace his “tragic” support for spending cuts with a plan to “kick-start the economy” with public investment.

Former minister Michael Meacher said: “Jobs and growth are vitally needed rather than prolonged austerity as the best means both to cut the deficit fastest and to give hope to our people.”