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Brown rival in race against time Brown rival in race against time
(about 1 hour later)
Gordon Brown's only challenger for the Labour leadership faces a race against time to attract enough support from MPs to enter the official contest.Gordon Brown's only challenger for the Labour leadership faces a race against time to attract enough support from MPs to enter the official contest.
On Tuesday, the party revealed that left-winger John McDonnell had so far been nominated by 27 Labour MPs - 18 fewer than the 45 needed.On Tuesday, the party revealed that left-winger John McDonnell had so far been nominated by 27 Labour MPs - 18 fewer than the 45 needed.
He has until 1230 BST on Thursday to get to this figure or be eliminated.He has until 1230 BST on Thursday to get to this figure or be eliminated.
As it stands, Mr Brown would become Labour leader - and prime minister - unopposed when Tony Blair stands down.As it stands, Mr Brown would become Labour leader - and prime minister - unopposed when Tony Blair stands down.
Mr McDonnell has said he is still confident of getting through. 'Difficult'
'Over half-way' Mr McDonnell's spokesman told the BBC News website that two more MPs had promised their support on Tuesday evening, which would bring the total to 29.
He said: "A large number have backed Gordon Brown, which obviously makes it difficult for us.
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 Gordon Brown Contender-by-contender Labour contest timetable
"But there are still a number of MPs to play for."
The spokesman added that it was "important to have a democratic election so that Labour Party members can vote".
Former Home Secretary Charles Clarke and ex-Health Secretary Alan Milburn, who have both called for a debate on Labour's future, have yet to nominate Mr Brown.
Mr McDonnell's spokesman said: "We haven't heard from them."
But he added that supporters were "still pressing on" to gain the backing of MPs.
Ballot
Mr McDonnell has said he is confident of getting through.
Candidates who get 45 or more nominations go to a ballot of party members, trade unionists and Labour MPs and European Parliament members.Candidates who get 45 or more nominations go to a ballot of party members, trade unionists and Labour MPs and European Parliament members.
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 finalising their position.
DEPUTY CONTEST SUPPORT Hilary Benn - 34 MPsHazel Blears - 48 MPsJon Cruddas - 46 MPsPeter Hain - 49 MPsHarriet Harman - 60 MPs Alan Johnson - 64 MPs Benn short of backersDEPUTY CONTEST SUPPORT Hilary Benn - 34 MPsHazel Blears - 48 MPsJon Cruddas - 46 MPsPeter Hain - 49 MPsHarriet Harman - 60 MPs Alan Johnson - 64 MPs Benn short of backers
"This confirms that we're well on course for getting on the ballot paper and with this momentum we should make it."
Some 43 of Labour's 352 MPs have still to nominate a leadership candidate.Some 43 of Labour's 352 MPs have still to nominate a leadership candidate.
Mr McDonnell said: "There's terrific enthusiasm for a genuine debate. If John gets on the ballot, Gordon Brown will face a serious challenge." In the deputy leadership contest, in which there are six candidates, only International Development Secretary Hilary Benn - with 34 nominations - has yet to get through to the national ballot.
"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."
In the deputy leadership contest, only International Development Secretary Hilary Benn, with 34 nominations, has yet to get through to the national ballot.
He said: "I know that members want the chance to choose from among all the candidates who have put themselves forward for deputy leader, and I am very confident that I will be on the ballot."He said: "I know that members want the chance to choose from among all the candidates who have put themselves forward for deputy leader, and I am very confident that I will be on the ballot."
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.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.
Those candidates who make it on to either ballot paper will take part in 10 hustings around the country ahead of a special conference in Manchester on 24 June, when the new leader and deputy leader will be named.Those candidates who make it on to either ballot paper will take part in 10 hustings around the country ahead of a special conference in Manchester on 24 June, when the new leader and deputy leader will be named.
Mr Blair and deputy Labour leader John Prescott will hand over on 27 June.Mr Blair and deputy Labour leader John Prescott will hand over on 27 June.