by Lamiat Sabin and Joana Ramiro

SUPPORT for Jeremy Corbyn to become leader of the Labour Party grew yesterday after he shot ahead of rival Andy Burnham with a higher number of constituency endorsements.

The only left-wing candidate of the leadership race received 49 Constituency Labour Party (CLP) nominations with Mr Burnham on 48, the New Statesman revealed.

Mr Corbyn is gaining traction ahead of the three other candidates — who also include Yvette Cooper with 33 nominations and Blairite stand-in Liz Kendall who trails behind with just five.

He spoke about one of his potential Labour policies for the first time on Wednesday which would undo the Tories’ onslaught on free university education.

Mr Corbyn argued that he would set aside £10 billion to fund higher education and end university charges of up to £9,000 a year that would push most students, especially those from poorer families, chin-high in debt once they graduate.

He also apologised for the party’s “imposition of fees, top-up fees and the replacement of grants with loans” in recent years.

The National Union of Students newly elected vice-president for welfare Shelly Asquith told the Star it was “fantastic to see such a prominent figure in the Labour Party come out firmly in favour of scrapping fees and reintroducing grants.”

Ms Asquith, who has been a vocal supporter of Mr Corbyn’s bid, added: “It’s clear his campaign has gained a lot of traction among students already, with his anti-austerity and pro-immigration position.

“I hope Jeremy can continue to build on that support base and show that there is a desire for an alternative to this government’s relentless attacks on students and young working-class people.”

Free education student campaign NCAFC also stood by the Islington North MP with spokesman James Elliott gushing that he was “delighted” with the move.

He said: “We know many students are fed up with Labour’s timid opposition to the Tories’ education policies and are registering in droves to vote for a candidate who still believes what we believe — that education is a right and should be free for all.”