A former Northern Ireland Secretary has backed Owen Smith's bid to become Labour leader, saying he was "brilliant" during the peace process.

The Pontypridd MP worked for Lord Murphy as a special adviser from 2002 to 2005, at first while he was Welsh secretary, then following him to Belfast.

Lord Murphy said Mr Smith had been his "right hand man" during "hugely difficult times", understanding the complexities of the peace process and learning many of his political skills while in Northern Ireland.