This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/6652651.stm

The article has changed 24 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
Brown facing McDonnell challenge Johnson doubts Brown challenger
(about 17 hours later)
Left-wing Labour MP John McDonnell is hoping to challenge Gordon Brown for the Labour leadership. Left-winger John McDonnell is "unlikely" to get the backing of enough MPs to challenge Gordon Brown for the Labour leadership, Alan Johnson says.
He is the chancellor's only rival after ex-minister Michael Meacher agreed to stand aside as part of the left-wing MPs' agreement to pool their support. The education secretary told Sky News that "he obviously hasn't got to the magical 45 figure yet".
Mr Brown says he "welcomes" a contest, but it is still not clear Mr McDonnell will get the backing of 45 Labour MPs which is needed to enter the race. But Mr McDonnell - Mr Brown's only rival - insisted he was "confident" he would get through to a national ballot.
Mr Brown remains the overwhelming favourite to succeed Tony Blair. Labour will give its first figures on leadership and deputy leadership candidates' support at 1800 BST.
Mr McDonnell and Mr Meacher met on Monday afternoon as part of an agreement in which the one with the fewer backers would step aside so at least one of them might get the 45 backers. Uncertainty
'Hustings' MPs' nominations close at lunchtime on Thursday, with Mr Brown understood to have the backing of more than 200.
Their meeting came shortly after the official leadership contest began with the opening of nominations. Mr McDonnell is the chancellor's only challenger after fellow left-winger Michael Meacher dropped out on Monday in the hope they could pool their support.
Mr Meacher said that between them the two were backed by more than 45 MPs and asked his supporters to "get behind" his former rival.
Mr McDonnell urged Labour MPs to nominate him "to ensure there's an election for the leader of the Labour Party".
Rescue this Labour government from itself John McDonnell MP John McDonnell profile Could left damage Brown?Rescue this Labour government from itself John McDonnell MP John McDonnell profile Could left damage Brown?
He added: "If they do not nominate, hundreds of thousands of Labour Party members and trade union members affiliated to our party will be denied the opportunity to determine the future of our party and our government." It is not certain whether enough of Mr Meacher's backers will cross into the McDonnell camp to allow him to run.
There will now be 10 official hustings events before the results are announced at a special one-day leadership conference in Manchester on Sunday 24 June - three days before Tony Blair will formally step down as prime minister. Mr McDonnell reportedly has the backing of 24 MPs and Mr Meacher 21.
At a debate in London on Sunday between Mr Meacher, Mr McDonnell and Mr Brown, Mr McDonnell had insisted he could be a strong challenger in the leadership contest. Mr McDonnell spokesman told the BBC News website: "There were 45 MPs who pledged their support to John and Michael. In addition to that, there are many others who are publicly calling for a contest.
'Giving a voice' "We are confident we will get on the ballot paper."
He said the public wanted "someone for example who voted against the war in Iraq. All the other parties voted for it, and I voted against. 'David and Goliath'
"I'm opposed to the privatisation of our public services. So issue by issue not only do I have support on the policy issues within the Labour Party, I also have support in the general public." He said there would be much support among Labour's grassroots for Mr McDonnell's opposition to the Iraq war, privatisation and university tuition fees.
He said the campaign was "about giving people a voice again" and told the BBC that if one of them gets on the ballot paper people will be "shocked" by the support they get. He added: "There's terrific enthusiasm for a genuine debate. If John gets on the ballot, Gordon Brown will face a serious challenge."
This campaign is about giving people a voice again John McDonnellLeadership challenger Contender-by-contender Labour contest timetable A great weight appears to have been lifted from Gordon Brown's shoulders Contender-by-contender Labour contest timetable
Speaking at the Sunday evening debate Mr Brown promised "prudent" government. The spokesman also said: "Obviously Gordon is the frontrunner. It's a David and Goliath situation but this is a serious challenge not just for the leadership, but the party's direction."
"My aim has always been that every single individual in this country should have the chance to realise their potential," he said. But Mr Johnson, who is one of six candidates for the deputy leadership, said: "I think the media will focus more on the deputy contest because it looks unlikely there will be a contest for the leadership."
"Progress for this country is not going to be down to the policies that failed in the past." He added: "He [Mr McDonnell] obviously hasn't got to the magical 45 figure yet."
Mr Brown also suggested a government under his leadership could include more women. 'Force for unity'
'Public support' "If there is [a leadership contest], fine - if that changes. But that's the leadership wire from the course," he added.
And on a visit to a development in Southampton on Monday, he pledged to increase construction of social housing by 50%. Launching his own campaign, Mr Johnson said: "I believe that I can be a force for unity. The important thing is how we enter into this difficult period of transition."
But his plans for five new "eco towns" announced on Sunday were criticised by the Tories as an old Labour policy the government had failed to implement. DEPUTY CONTEST SUPPORT Hilary Benn - UnknownHazel Blears - 48 MPsJon Cruddas - UnknownPeter Hain - 48 MPsHarriet Harman - 61 MPs Alan Johnson - 70 MPs (estimated)
There are six potential candidates for deputy leader. They also need the support of 45 MPs to progress. He said a deputy leader "always need to look outwards", adding that he would like to remain education secretary if he won the contest.
Harriet Harman has published a list of 60 MPs who back her, while Peter Hain says he has 48 supporters and Hazel Blears 47. Alan Johnson is also thought to have more than the required 45 backers. There will now be 10 official hustings events before the results are announced at a special one-day leadership conference in Manchester on Sunday 24 June - three days before Tony Blair steps down as prime minister.
Jon Cruddas and Hilary Benn say they are "confident" of achieving this goal. Deputy leadership candidates also need the support of 45 MPs to progress.
HAVE YOUR SAY Everything Gordon Brown says seems to be his genuine belief Matthew Dunn, Newcastle-Under-Lyme class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=6278&edition=2&ttl=20070510223503">Send us your comments Backbencher Jon Cruddas has not yet revealed figures but a spokeswoman said: "Jon's going to be there."
There are 352 Labour MPs, meaning all six candidates could get more than 45 backers. International Development Secretary Hilary Benn has also said he is confident of getting through to the ballot.
Meanwhile a poll of Conservative Party members suggests most believe Gordon Brown will be easier to beat than Tony Blair. Justice Minister Harriet Harman, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain and party chairman Hazel Blears have all published lists of more than 45 supporters. Mr Johnson is thought to have about 70 backers.
Of the 1,519 members surveyed by the Conservative Home website, only 4% thought Mr Brown would be a more effective leader, 64% thought he would be less effective. There are 352 Labour MPs, meaning all six candidates could get through to the national contest.