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Brown rival in race against time | Brown rival in race against time |
(30 minutes later) | |
Chancellor Gordon Brown's only rival for the Labour leadership is battling against time to get the support of enough MPs to mount a challenge. | |
Some 27 MPs - 18 fewer than the 45 needed - have nominated left-wing backbencher John McDonnell, with two more promising to do so. | |
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 until 1230 BST on Thursday to get 45 backers. | |
'Difficult' | 'Difficult' |
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. | 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. |
Some 282 MPs have declared for Mr Brown. | |
Mr McDonnell's spokesman 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 | 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." | "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". | 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 former 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." | 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. | But he added that supporters were "still pressing on" to gain the backing of MPs. |
Ballot | Ballot |
Mr McDonnell has said he is confident of getting through. | 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. |
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 backers | 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 backers |
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. |
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. | 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. |
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. |