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Brown challenger short of backers Brown rival needs more supporters
(10 minutes later)
Left-winger John McDonnell still needs the support of 18 more MPs if he is to challenge Gordon Brown for the Labour leadership, the party has revealed.Left-winger John McDonnell still needs the support of 18 more MPs if he is to challenge Gordon Brown for the Labour leadership, the party has revealed.
So far, 27 MPs have nominated him, compared with 282 for the chancellor.So far, 27 MPs have nominated him, compared with 282 for the chancellor.
In the deputy leadership contest, Hilary Benn and Jon Cruddas have yet to gain the 45 nominations needed.In the deputy leadership contest, Hilary Benn and Jon Cruddas have yet to gain the 45 nominations needed.
Alan Johnson, Harriet Harman, Peter Hain and Hazel Blears have all got through. Nominations are due to close at 1230 BST Thursday.Alan Johnson, Harriet Harman, Peter Hain and Hazel Blears have all got through. Nominations are due to close at 1230 BST Thursday.
'On course'
Mr McDonnell said: "This is really good progress. It's not even half-time yet and we're over half-way in terms of nominations with some MPs out of the country and others finalisng their position.
"This confirms that we're well on course for getting on the ballot paper and with this momentum we should make it."
Among his supporters were backbenchers Diane Abbott, Jeremy Corbyn, Dennis Skinner and Mike Wood.
Earlier, Mr Johnson, who is backing Mr Brown for the leadership, said Mr McDonnell was "unlikely" to get enough nominations.
Mr McDonnell is the chancellor's only challenger after rival left-winger Michael Meacher dropped out on Monday, in the hope they could pool their support.
DEPUTY CONTEST SUPPORT Hilary Benn - 34 MPsHazel Blears - 48 MPsJon Cruddas - 44 MPsPeter Hain - 49 MPsHarriet Harman - 60 MPs Alan Johnson - 64 MPs (estimated)
Some 43 of Labour's 352 MPs have still to nominate.
Earlier, Mr McDonnell's 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.
"We are confident we will get on the ballot paper."
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 added: "There's terrific enthusiasm for a genuine debate. If John gets on the ballot, Gordon Brown will face a serious challenge."
A great weight appears to have been lifted from Gordon Brown's shoulders Contender-by-contender Labour contest timetable
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."
Mr Meacher reiterated his support for Mr McDonnell and urged his backers to switch their nominations to him.
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."
He added: "He [Mr McDonnell] obviously hasn't got to the magical 45 figure yet."
'Force for unity'
"If there is [a leadership contest], fine - if that changes. But that's the leadership wire from the course," he added.
Later Mr Brown told BBC Radio 4's World at One programme that while he welcomed a contest, he would not be "lending" any of his supporters to Mr McDonnell.
"That would be dishonest," he said.
"I don't think you can ask people to trade their consciences. I welcome a challenge. I'm going out to get as many nominations as possible because I believe that is what someone who's putting their name forward for leadership should do."
He added that he would not be supporting any particular candidate in the deputy leadership race: "I think it's up to the candidates themselves to prove to the rest of the party how they will do."
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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.
Deputy leadership candidates also need the support of 45 MPs to progress.
Backbencher Jon Cruddas is almost there, with 44 nominations, while International Development Secretary Hilary Benn is furthest off, with 34.
Mr Johnson has 64 nominations, Justice Minister Harriet Harman has 60, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain has 49 and party chairman Hazel Blears has 48.