The riddle over who Bradford MP Marsha Singh voted for in the challenge to Gordon Brown's leadership bid for the Labour Party was no closer to being untangled today as the lone remaining challenger faced his final deadline.

John McDonnell said ordinary party members would be denied their "democratic right" to choose a leader if the Chancellor was elected unopposed. He needed to secure the backing of 45 MPs by lunchtime tomorrow.

Marsha Singh was expected to demand answers upon his return to the UK from Government business in Thailand tomorrow after it emerged his name had appeared on the lists of nominations for both McDonnell and rival Michael Meacher. Mr Singh said he had only signed Meacher's form.

Mr McDonnell has so far not responded to questions about how Mr Singh's name appeared on his form, but it appeared to be a moot point today as Gordon Brown had the backing of 297 - leaving just 27 undeclared for Mr McDonnell to persuade.

Meanwhile, Bradford MPs are backing the outsider to become Labour's next deputy leader believing he can unite the party and take it forward.

Backbencher Jon Cruddas, Education Secretary Alan Johnson, Justice Minister Harriet Harman, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain and Labour chairman Hazel Blears have all got through to the national ballot.

Keighley MP Ann Cryer, Bradford North MP Terry Rooney and Bradford West MP Marsha Singh are all backing backbencher Mr Cruddas.

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe is running the campaign for Mr Johnson.