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Brown rival in race against time Brown rival struggles for support
(about 3 hours 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. Chancellor Gordon Brown's only rival for the Labour leadership is struggling to get enough support to run.
Some 27 MPs - 18 fewer than the 45 needed - have nominated left-wing backbencher John McDonnell, with two more promising to do so. Left-winger John McDonnell has picked up the backing of only two more MPs bringing his total nominations to 29 MPs - 16 fewer than the 45 needed.
As it stands, Mr Brown would become Labour leader - and prime minister - unopposed when Tony Blair stands down. As things stand Mr Brown, with 297 nominations, will become leader and PM unopposed when Tony Blair stands down.
Mr McDonnell has until 1230 BST on Thursday to get 45 backers. Mr McDonnell has until 1230 BST on Thursday to get 45 backers. Just 26 Labour MPs have yet to nominate.
'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.
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.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 timetableI'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."
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.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 - 49 MPsJon Cruddas - 46 MPsPeter Hain - 50 MPsHarriet Harman - 61 MPs Alan Johnson - 68 MPs Benn short of backers
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 40 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.
Some 38 Labour MPs have yet to make a nomination.
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.