WHO is Owen Smith and what does he want?

If the challenger to become next leader of the Labour party doesn’t provide satisfactory answers to those questions in the coming days, then he has no chance of ousting Jeremy Corbyn.

Mr Smith’s biggest strength at this stage is that he is relatively unknown and, because he didn’t become an MP until 2010, he isn’t burdened by baggage from the Blair-Brown years, such as Iraq or university tuition fees.

That will help him in the short-term.

He comes across as a bright and likeable-enough chap and he has already had the good sense to try to spread calm across his party by saying nice things about his erstwhile rival, Angela Eagle.

In return, Ms Eagle has thrown her support behind him. Any sign of unity and common purpose within the Labour ranks is to be welcomed because the country needs a strong and effective Opposition.

North-East MPs clearly regard Mr Smith as the answer. Among his nominees were Roberta Blackman-Woods, Jenny Chapman, Tom Blenkinsop, Alex Cunningham, Pat Glass, Kevan Jones and Anna Turley.

The worst thing one could say about him at is that he is bland and lacks a clear identity.

Claiming to be just as radical as the current leader, Mr Smith vowed to win back the trust of the British people and get Labour into government, but he is regarded as “soft”’ left and he faces a tough challenge if he is going to woo Corbynistas.

The existing leader has a healthy lead among eligible party members and many have said they do not know much about Mr Smith.

The new man must quickly develop his own voice and a distinct identity.

Securing support from people who want ‘anyone but Corbyn’ will only carry him so far.