LABOUR’S next leader must have the political courage to speak out against austerity and defend public services, a group of the party’s new MPs are demanding.

Ten of Labour’s rising parliamentary stars have laid down the challenge to leadership contenders in an open letter published in today’s Star.

It calls for a leader who “will challenge an agenda of cuts, take on the powerful vested interests of big business and will set out an alternative to austerity — not one who will draw back to the ‘New Labour’ creed of the past.”

The group behind the letter are among 54 Labour MPs elected for the first time last Thursday.

They include former trade union lawyer and Leeds East MP Richard Burgon, former BBC journalist and Norwich South MP Clive Lewis and former Unite head of health and York Central MP Rachael Maskell.

Their intervention comes as MPs hoping to replace Ed Miliband seek support.

Candidates must have the support of at least 35 MPs when nominations close on Monday June 15 to get on the ballot paper.

Leading Blairite contender Liz Kendall has said Labour’s priority must be to reach out to “aspirational” and Conservative Party voters in southern England.

But setting out the conditions for their support, the new MPs say: “Labour needs a leader who’s in tune with the collective aspiration of ordinary people and communities across Britain.”

Their letter adds: “From restoring Sure Start to providing dignity and a good standard of living in retirement, these are the aspirations key to real Labour values today and will re-engage people across our country in the years to come.”

Rule changes which last year raised the number of nominations needed appear to have scuppered the chances of a left candidate standing.

Former miner Ian Lavery and shadow cabinet minister Jon Trickett ruled themselves out on Thursday, although shadow Wales secretary Owen Smith is being encouraged to stand by other left MPs.

It means many left MPs are likely to swing behind shadow health secretary Andy Burnham.

The Leigh MP was once a loyal Blairite, but has moved left since the financial crash and takes a strong anti-privatisation stance over the NHS.