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As ballot papers are posted through the letterboxes of Labour Party members and trade union levy papers The Daily Mirror has said that Alan Johnson is the best person to work with Gordon Brown as the new leadership team.

The Voice of the Mirror column said: "The Education Secretary takes brave decisions, most notably saving public service pensions in a previous role, and his easy-going charm appeals to traditional Labour supporters and reassures Middle Britain.

Johnson may be best placed to help Gordon Brown defeat the Tories and pull off a wonderful fourth general election victory."

The Mirror endorsement follows a similar endorsement from The Sun. The UK's two most popular papers, who are usually bitter rivals, are united in their belief that Alan is the best person for Deputy.

If you haven't already voted you still have time to cast your vote by phone or internet. Every vote really does count so if you still unsure now is the time to make your mind up and cast your first preference for Alan.

Last night in Brick Lane, East London there was a coming together of all sections of the East London Labour movement for Alan Johnson to be elected Deputy Leader. Alan is pictured with some of the London UNISON Labour Link supporters (who helped sponsor the event). However, local MP Jim Fitzpatrick, other MP’s, London Councillors, Party members, supportive community leaders and affiliated trade unionists came to support Alan as the best candidate for Deputy Leader.

from John Gray's Labour blog.

Today's Sunday Times reports on a YouGov poll that shows Alan's support is growing amongst grassroots Labour Party members and trade unionists. Alan is now joint first amongst party members and has nosed into a four per cent lead with trade union levy-payers. When the loyalties of MPs are taken into account, Alan enjoys 24% first round support, against 20% for Hilary Benn. Harriet Harman, the justice minister, is third on 18%.

Now that supporting nominations have closed Alan is still the front runner with 73 nominations from MPs and nine from MEPs. He has also secured the backing of the Communications Workers Union, which he led before entering Parliament, and Unison, the public sector union and second biggest in the UK. Between them Unison and the CWU have 710,000 affiliated members.