This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-32654262

The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Labour leadership: Likely contenders Labour leadership: Likely contenders
(5 days later)
Speculation is mounting over who will replace Ed Miliband as Labour leader following his party's general election defeat. The race to succeed Ed Miliband as Labour leader is well under way following the party's general election defeat.
Deputy leader Harriet Harman will take over temporarily but says she will stand down once a new leader and deputy are elected. Candidates are attempting to gather the 35 MPs' signatures they require to make it onto the ballot paper.
Deputy leader Harriet Harman, who has taken temporary charge, says she will stand down once a new leader and deputy are elected.
So who are the current and potential candidates to succeed Mr Miliband? And who is vying for the deputy leader job?So who are the current and potential candidates to succeed Mr Miliband? And who is vying for the deputy leader job?
Labour leadership contendersLabour leadership contenders
Liz KendallLiz Kendall
Shadow health minister Liz Kendall was the first Labour MP to say they wanted a crack at the party's top job. Shadow health minister Liz Kendall was the first Labour MP to say they wanted a crack at the party's top job, saying a "fundamentally new approach" was needed.
First elected to Parliament in 2010 as MP for Leicester West and appointed to the shadow front bench the same year, Ms Kendall is seen as a Blairite contender.First elected to Parliament in 2010 as MP for Leicester West and appointed to the shadow front bench the same year, Ms Kendall is seen as a Blairite contender.
She is a former special adviser to Harriet Harman and then Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt who has argued for reform of public services.She is a former special adviser to Harriet Harman and then Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt who has argued for reform of public services.
In an interview for The House magazine in January, she said there "will remain a role" for private and voluntary firms in the health service, "where they can add extra capacity to the NHS or challenge to the system".In an interview for The House magazine in January, she said there "will remain a role" for private and voluntary firms in the health service, "where they can add extra capacity to the NHS or challenge to the system".
Could she be a fresh face to lead a change of direction for Labour, or seen as too inside the Westminster bubble?Could she be a fresh face to lead a change of direction for Labour, or seen as too inside the Westminster bubble?
Andy BurnhamAndy Burnham
The Labour MP for Leigh since 2001, Andy Burnham has plenty of government experience and is the current bookies' favourite.The Labour MP for Leigh since 2001, Andy Burnham has plenty of government experience and is the current bookies' favourite.
Mr Burnham served as health secretary under Gordon Brown and previously as culture secretary and chief secretary to the Treasury.Mr Burnham served as health secretary under Gordon Brown and previously as culture secretary and chief secretary to the Treasury.
He stood for the leadership in 2010 but lost out to Ed Miliband, going on to hold the shadow health brief under Mr Miliband's leadership. He stood for the leadership in 2010 but lost out to Ed Miliband, going on to hold the shadow health brief under Mr Miliband's leadership. He is said to have strong trade union support.
He is said to have strong trade union support, and pushed by the BBC on a possible leadership bid this time round, he said he would "make some calls" on that. Declaring his intention to stand, he said Labour must support the "aspirations of everyone".
Yvette CooperYvette Cooper
Another former chief secretary to the Treasury - as well as a work and pensions minister under Gordon Brown - Yvette Cooper has been shadow home secretary for the past four years.Another former chief secretary to the Treasury - as well as a work and pensions minister under Gordon Brown - Yvette Cooper has been shadow home secretary for the past four years.
A strong Commons performer, she has given Home Secretary Theresa May a hard time over matters including passport delays, border controls and extremism.A strong Commons performer, she has given Home Secretary Theresa May a hard time over matters including passport delays, border controls and extremism.
She did not stand to succeed Mr Brown in 2010, in favour of her husband, Ed Balls. But with Mr Balls out of Parliament, might she take the opportunity this time? She did not stand to succeed Mr Brown in 2010, in favour of her husband, Ed Balls.
When asked by ITV News whether she would be standing for leader, she said: "I really don't think we should be talking about this. We have just had an election and we've got a lot more election results to come." Announcing her bid this time around, she said: "Our promise of hope wasn't strong enough to drown out the Tory and UKIP voices of fear. That's what we need to change."
Tristram Hunt
Historian and journalist Tristram Hunt entered Parliament in 2010 as Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central.
Ed Miliband made him shadow education secretary in 2013 and he has been a fierce critic of the coalition's education policies in England.
Speaking in the aftermath of the election results, he called on Labour's ruling National Executive Committee "not to rush our election", saying there was time for a "brutal post-mortem" about Labour's "underlying philosophy and thinking".
As for his own ambitions, he said "it's about the lyrics as much as the lead singer I think".
On Thursday he told BBC's Question Time that he was "interested" in the leadership, and would consult members of his party.
Mary CreaghMary Creagh
The shadow international development secretary has announced her intention to join the race for the Labour leadership, via an article in the Daily MailThe shadow international development secretary has announced her intention to join the race for the Labour leadership, via an article in the Daily Mail
Ms Creagh joined parliament in 2005 as the MP for Wakefield, gaining experience in government as an assistant whip in 2009-10.Ms Creagh joined parliament in 2005 as the MP for Wakefield, gaining experience in government as an assistant whip in 2009-10.
She's also held various shadow cabinet positions in opposition, most notably as shadow secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs - and transport.She's also held various shadow cabinet positions in opposition, most notably as shadow secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs - and transport.
Ms Creagh held onto her brief as international development secretary in acting Labour leader Harriet Harman's recent reshuffle of the shadow cabinet.Ms Creagh held onto her brief as international development secretary in acting Labour leader Harriet Harman's recent reshuffle of the shadow cabinet.
Labour deputy leadership contendersLabour deputy leadership contenders
Caroline FlintCaroline Flint
The MP for Don Valley has been Labour's shadow energy and climate change secretary since 2011, after a stint heading up the Department for Communities and Local Government.The MP for Don Valley has been Labour's shadow energy and climate change secretary since 2011, after a stint heading up the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Ms Flint held on to her current position in the latest shadow cabinet reshuffle.Ms Flint held on to her current position in the latest shadow cabinet reshuffle.
She also held various ministerial positions during Gordon Brown's premiership, but famously resigned from as Europe minister after accusing him of treating her and her female colleagues as "window dressing".She also held various ministerial positions during Gordon Brown's premiership, but famously resigned from as Europe minister after accusing him of treating her and her female colleagues as "window dressing".
Gloria de PieroGloria de Piero
A former GMTV presenter, Gloria de Piero joined Parliament as the MP for Ashfield in 2010.A former GMTV presenter, Gloria de Piero joined Parliament as the MP for Ashfield in 2010.
She immediately rose to shadow ministerial ranks, taking on a culture, media and sport brief and then home affairs.She immediately rose to shadow ministerial ranks, taking on a culture, media and sport brief and then home affairs.
Since 2013 she's been a shadow minister for women and equalities, being one of Harriet Harman's team on Labour's woman-to-woman "pink bus" campaign.Since 2013 she's been a shadow minister for women and equalities, being one of Harriet Harman's team on Labour's woman-to-woman "pink bus" campaign.
Tom WatsonTom Watson
The MP for West Bromwich since 2001. He has made a name for himself as a prominent backbench campaigner against phone hacking and child sex abuse.The MP for West Bromwich since 2001. He has made a name for himself as a prominent backbench campaigner against phone hacking and child sex abuse.
He also played a minor role in the toppling of Tony Blair after resigning as a defence minister and calling for the-then PM to quit in the interest of party and country.He also played a minor role in the toppling of Tony Blair after resigning as a defence minister and calling for the-then PM to quit in the interest of party and country.
Watson became Labour's campaign chief under Ed Miliband but he quit after a he became embroiled in a row about the role of the Unite union in the candidate selection in Falkirk.Watson became Labour's campaign chief under Ed Miliband but he quit after a he became embroiled in a row about the role of the Unite union in the candidate selection in Falkirk.
Setting out his pitch for the job, he said: "I'm seeking the deputy leadership to do one thing: write and execute the election battle plan so that our new leader will be prime minister."Setting out his pitch for the job, he said: "I'm seeking the deputy leadership to do one thing: write and execute the election battle plan so that our new leader will be prime minister."
Stella CreasyStella Creasy
The Walthamstow MP has a growing reputation as a hard-working campaigning MP.The Walthamstow MP has a growing reputation as a hard-working campaigning MP.
Another from the 2010 intake, she was praised for campaign against payday loans companies, Another from the 2010 intake, she was praised for campaign against payday loans companies, and has a strong following on social media.
She has a strong following on social media, and spent Saturday with anti-EDL protesters in her constituency, tweeting updates from the event. She told the Sunday Mirror: "Too many voters think Labour is no longer a movement for social justice but a machine that only kicks in to gear at election time."
She has told BBC Newsnight she would be "open to the question" of putting her name forward for the deputy leadership, but ruled out going for the top job.
Angela EagleAngela Eagle
Shadow environment secretary Angela Eagle is said to be considering a run for the Labour deputy party leadership role, according to the Liverpool Echo. Shadow environment secretary Angela Eagle plans to travel the country to speak to people who did the "hard graft" in the election campaign.
According to the paper she believes she has the backing of the unions and the Parliamentary Labour Party. She's ruled out a bid to replace Ed Miliband as party leader. The MP for Wallasey said Labour could not be "complacent" if it was to reverse its general election defeat.
Ms Eagle, MP for the Merseyside seat of Wallasey since 1992, held a number of ministerial jobs during the last Labour government and in 2013 became chair of the Labour Party. Ms Eagle, an MP since 1992, held a number of ministerial jobs during the last Labour government and in 2013 became chair of the Labour Party.
She is arguably best-known for having a twin sister, Maria, who is also a Labour MP.She is arguably best-known for having a twin sister, Maria, who is also a Labour MP.
Simon Danczuk
The MP for Rochdale has said a number of colleagues have asked him to put his name forward for the role of deputy leader.
Simon Danczuk is well known for his prominent campaigning against child sex abuse and leading calls for an inquiry into allegations of historical child sex abuse by senior figures at Westminster.
Mr Danczuk has been a vocal critic of Ed Miliband and in an article for the Daily Telegraph on Thursday he said Labour needed to "step out if its Metropolitan comfort zone" and "reach out to the country once more."
Ben BradshawBen Bradshaw
A former journalist and Labour cabinet minister, Ben Bradshaw has been the MP for Exeter since 1997.A former journalist and Labour cabinet minister, Ben Bradshaw has been the MP for Exeter since 1997.
He is reportedly considering to run for the deputy Labour leadership with a plea to reach out to voters in the south of England, where Labour is not faring well. He plans a "big tent" approach to ensure Labour does not miss out on votes in the south of England, saying the party has to "broaden its appeal".
Reflecting on who should replace Ed Miliband, he said: "I would prefer to see one of the new generation come forward rather than someone associated with the Blair and Brown era.Reflecting on who should replace Ed Miliband, he said: "I would prefer to see one of the new generation come forward rather than someone associated with the Blair and Brown era.
"If we really want to win in 2020 - and I think we need to for the country's sake - I would like to see someone from the new generation without that baggage from the past.""If we really want to win in 2020 - and I think we need to for the country's sake - I would like to see someone from the new generation without that baggage from the past."
Labour candidates for London MayorLabour candidates for London Mayor
David LammyDavid Lammy
The MP for Tottenham was the first person to publicly weigh up a leadership bid, telling the BBC that he would consider standing if colleagues wanted him to.The MP for Tottenham was the first person to publicly weigh up a leadership bid, telling the BBC that he would consider standing if colleagues wanted him to.
But he's ruled himself out of the top job, saying his principal aim is to become Labour's candidate for Mayor of London in 2016.But he's ruled himself out of the top job, saying his principal aim is to become Labour's candidate for Mayor of London in 2016.
"I think we need a leader that can win back the Midlands understand Scotland as well as the south."I think we need a leader that can win back the Midlands understand Scotland as well as the south.
"Actually we need to do better in London, my strengths are in London and the south therefore I want to be the Labour candidate for Mayor," he told the BBC's Daily Politics programme."Actually we need to do better in London, my strengths are in London and the south therefore I want to be the Labour candidate for Mayor," he told the BBC's Daily Politics programme.
One of the most prominent black MPs in the party, the former former barrister is regarded as being on the right of the party, having served as a minister under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.One of the most prominent black MPs in the party, the former former barrister is regarded as being on the right of the party, having served as a minister under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
His national profile rose during the 2011 riots in London, when he appealed for calm and reconciliation in the wake of the fatal shooting of Mark Duggan in his north London constituency.His national profile rose during the 2011 riots in London, when he appealed for calm and reconciliation in the wake of the fatal shooting of Mark Duggan in his north London constituency.
Tessa JowellTessa Jowell
Dame Tessa Jowell was a key figure at the heart of New Labour - she once said she would "jump under a bus" for Tony Blair.Dame Tessa Jowell was a key figure at the heart of New Labour - she once said she would "jump under a bus" for Tony Blair.
The former Dulwich and West Norwood MP, who stood down at the general election after 20 years in Parliament, earned widespread plaudits for the role she played in London's bid for the 2012 Olympics and her subsequent performance as Olympics minister.The former Dulwich and West Norwood MP, who stood down at the general election after 20 years in Parliament, earned widespread plaudits for the role she played in London's bid for the 2012 Olympics and her subsequent performance as Olympics minister.
She has vowed to bring "Olympic-like discipline" to changing London, promising to build more affordable homes.She has vowed to bring "Olympic-like discipline" to changing London, promising to build more affordable homes.
The former culture secretary, who was a psychiatric social worker before entering politics, is seen as one of the frontrunners in the race to be Labour's mayoral candidate, with one poll suggesting she is backed by 40% of Labour supporters.The former culture secretary, who was a psychiatric social worker before entering politics, is seen as one of the frontrunners in the race to be Labour's mayoral candidate, with one poll suggesting she is backed by 40% of Labour supporters.
Sadiq KhanSadiq Khan
Sadiq Khan launched his bid to be London mayor with an attack on incumbent Boris Johnson, describing him as a "red carpet mayor, somebody who is fantastic going to openings, great with a flute of champagne in his hands".Sadiq Khan launched his bid to be London mayor with an attack on incumbent Boris Johnson, describing him as a "red carpet mayor, somebody who is fantastic going to openings, great with a flute of champagne in his hands".
"I'd rather roll up my sleeves and fight for all Londoners," he added."I'd rather roll up my sleeves and fight for all Londoners," he added.
The son of a bus driver, Mr Khan worked as a human rights solicitor before becoming an MP in 2005. He is shadow London minister.The son of a bus driver, Mr Khan worked as a human rights solicitor before becoming an MP in 2005. He is shadow London minister.
A close ally of former Labour leader Ed Miliband, Mr Khan served in junior ministerial roles in Gordon Brown's government.A close ally of former Labour leader Ed Miliband, Mr Khan served in junior ministerial roles in Gordon Brown's government.
Diane AbbottDiane Abbott
A familiar face to viewers of BBC One's This Week, Diane Abbott is a veteran left winger who first entered the Commons in 1987, as one of Britain's first black Mps. A familiar face to viewers of BBC One's This Week, Diane Abbott is a veteran left winger who first entered the Commons in 1987, as one of Britain's first black MPs.
The Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP was shadow public health spokesman under Ed Miliband, after losing out to him in the 2010 Labour leadership contest.The Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP was shadow public health spokesman under Ed Miliband, after losing out to him in the 2010 Labour leadership contest.
Launching her mayoral bid, she said she would bring London's communities together and be the "genuinely independently minded Mayor that London needs".Launching her mayoral bid, she said she would bring London's communities together and be the "genuinely independently minded Mayor that London needs".
"Hard times call for a campaigning Mayor. Now more than ever our city needs a Mayor who will stand up for the interests of those increasingly left behind," she added."Hard times call for a campaigning Mayor. Now more than ever our city needs a Mayor who will stand up for the interests of those increasingly left behind," she added.
Christian WolmarChristian Wolmar
A journalist and railway historian, Christian Wolmar is one of Britain's most in-demand transport pundits.A journalist and railway historian, Christian Wolmar is one of Britain's most in-demand transport pundits.
The only non-politician in the race, he campaigns against the construction of HS2 and has vowed to tackle London's "housing crisis", improve the transport network and revitalise public spaces.The only non-politician in the race, he campaigns against the construction of HS2 and has vowed to tackle London's "housing crisis", improve the transport network and revitalise public spaces.
"Instead of partisan and personality politics London needs a dedicated, ideas driven mayor who works for Londoners and their needs," he said."Instead of partisan and personality politics London needs a dedicated, ideas driven mayor who works for Londoners and their needs," he said.
The 65-year-old cycles to campaign meeting and claims to have clocked up more than 2,000 miles already.The 65-year-old cycles to campaign meeting and claims to have clocked up more than 2,000 miles already.
The non-runners:
Chuka Umunna - withdrewChuka Umunna - withdrew
Chuka Umunna was the second candidate to declare he would stand for election as leader of the Labour Party.Chuka Umunna was the second candidate to declare he would stand for election as leader of the Labour Party.
A rising star of the party, Mr Umunna was first elected to Parliament in 2010 and appointed shadow business secretary the following year.A rising star of the party, Mr Umunna was first elected to Parliament in 2010 and appointed shadow business secretary the following year.
He has retained the seat of Streatham with a majority of nearly 14,000 and a vastly increased vote share this time round.He has retained the seat of Streatham with a majority of nearly 14,000 and a vastly increased vote share this time round.
He announced his intention to stand via a post on his Facebook page. He said he had spoken to half the Labour 80 candidates standing in Tory seats targeted by the party and other MPs before making his announcement.He announced his intention to stand via a post on his Facebook page. He said he had spoken to half the Labour 80 candidates standing in Tory seats targeted by the party and other MPs before making his announcement.
However, three days later Mr Umunna withdrew from the leadership contest. He said in a statement posted on his Twitter feed that had been uncomfortable with the level of "sheer pressure" and scrutiny that came with being a candidate.However, three days later Mr Umunna withdrew from the leadership contest. He said in a statement posted on his Twitter feed that had been uncomfortable with the level of "sheer pressure" and scrutiny that came with being a candidate.
The 36-year-old added that it had perhaps been "too soon" for him to launch a leadership bid.The 36-year-old added that it had perhaps been "too soon" for him to launch a leadership bid.
Rachel Reeves - ruled outRachel Reeves - ruled out
Another rising star of the 2010 intake, the MP for Leeds West was appointed shadow chief secretary to the Treasury in 2011 and shadow work and pensions secretary in 2013.Another rising star of the 2010 intake, the MP for Leeds West was appointed shadow chief secretary to the Treasury in 2011 and shadow work and pensions secretary in 2013.
During the election campaign, she attacked the so-called bedroom tax, whereby housing benefit payments are reduced for tenants in council and social housing deemed to have spare rooms.During the election campaign, she attacked the so-called bedroom tax, whereby housing benefit payments are reduced for tenants in council and social housing deemed to have spare rooms.
However, she also suggested Labour would consider reducing the overall welfare cap in some areas.However, she also suggested Labour would consider reducing the overall welfare cap in some areas.
She told BBC News Labour needs "to be in the centre ground to win a general election" but ruled herself out of a leadership bid.She told BBC News Labour needs "to be in the centre ground to win a general election" but ruled herself out of a leadership bid.
Alan Johnson - ruled outAlan Johnson - ruled out
A former home secretary and shadow chancellor, Alan Johnson is the Labour leadership candidate who never quite was.A former home secretary and shadow chancellor, Alan Johnson is the Labour leadership candidate who never quite was.
The popular MP declined to stand in 2010 and stepped down from his shadow cabinet role in 2011 for personal reasons.The popular MP declined to stand in 2010 and stepped down from his shadow cabinet role in 2011 for personal reasons.
Earlier this year it was reported that senior New Labour figures Lord Mandelson and Alistair Campbell approached Mr Johnson over a leadership bid, although all three later distanced themselves from the story.Earlier this year it was reported that senior New Labour figures Lord Mandelson and Alistair Campbell approached Mr Johnson over a leadership bid, although all three later distanced themselves from the story.
But the former postman, who has been MP for Hull West and Hessle since 1997, had seemingly ruled himself out again, saying it is a "10-year job" and he does not have the "right qualities".But the former postman, who has been MP for Hull West and Hessle since 1997, had seemingly ruled himself out again, saying it is a "10-year job" and he does not have the "right qualities".
Dan Jarvis - ruled outDan Jarvis - ruled out
Former army officer Dan Jarvis was elected MP for Barnsley Central in a by-election in 2011, having resigned his commission as a major in the Parachute Regiment to contest the seat.Former army officer Dan Jarvis was elected MP for Barnsley Central in a by-election in 2011, having resigned his commission as a major in the Parachute Regiment to contest the seat.
He held onto his seat at the general election, taking time out from campaigning to run the London Marathon last month.He held onto his seat at the general election, taking time out from campaigning to run the London Marathon last month.
After entering Parliament in 2010, he quickly became a shadow culture, media and sport minister and later a shadow justice minister.After entering Parliament in 2010, he quickly became a shadow culture, media and sport minister and later a shadow justice minister.
In 2011, Mr Jarvis became the first serving politician in more than 60 years to be awarded a military honour, when he was made an MBE for his services to the armed forces.In 2011, Mr Jarvis became the first serving politician in more than 60 years to be awarded a military honour, when he was made an MBE for his services to the armed forces.
He has been touted by some colleagues as a future Labour leader but Mr Jarvis, who was widowed in 2010 and has a young family, ruled himself out, saying it is not the "right time" for him and his family.He has been touted by some colleagues as a future Labour leader but Mr Jarvis, who was widowed in 2010 and has a young family, ruled himself out, saying it is not the "right time" for him and his family.
Tristram Hunt - ruled out
Historian and journalist Tristram Hunt entered Parliament in 2010 as Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central.
Ed Miliband made him shadow education secretary in 2013 and he has been a fierce critic of the coalition's education policies in England.
Speaking in the aftermath of the election results, he called on Labour's ruling National Executive Committee "not to rush our election", saying there was time for a "brutal post-mortem" about Labour's "underlying philosophy and thinking".
As for his own ambitions, he said "it's about the lyrics as much as the lead singer I think".
He later said he was not confident of getting enough nominations to stand, and would support Liz Kendall.
Simon Danczuk - ruled out
The MP for Rochdale says the deputy leader vacancy has "come a bit too soon" for him.
He previously said a number of colleagues had asked him to put his name forward for the role.
Mr Danczuk is well known for his prominent campaigning against child sex abuse and leading calls for an inquiry into allegations of historical child sex abuse by senior figures at Westminster.
He was a vocal critic of Ed Miliband and in an article for the Daily Telegraph on Thursday he said Labour needed to "step out if its Metropolitan comfort zone" and "reach out to the country once more."
Kier Starmer - ruled out
The former director of public prosecutions has only just become an MP after being elected in Frank Dobson's old seat of Holborn and St Pancras, in North London at the general election.
He was forced to rule himself out of the race to be Labour leader following a social media campaign urging him to stand.
He said he was "flattered" by the campaign but the party needed someone with "more political experience".
David Miliband - cannot stand in electionDavid Miliband - cannot stand in election
The older brother of ex-leader Ed, David Miliband was frontrunner to replace Gordon Brown in 2010, until his sibling beat him by a whisker.The older brother of ex-leader Ed, David Miliband was frontrunner to replace Gordon Brown in 2010, until his sibling beat him by a whisker.
A former foreign secretary and MP for South Shields, he was the Blairite choice for leader but eventually quit Parliament to become head of the International Rescue Committee charity in New York in 2013.A former foreign secretary and MP for South Shields, he was the Blairite choice for leader but eventually quit Parliament to become head of the International Rescue Committee charity in New York in 2013.
Speaking to the BBC from the US on the Monday after the general election, Mr Miliband criticised his brother's campaign in the 2015 general election, saying he and Mr Brown had "allowed themselves to be portrayed as moving backwards from the principles of aspiration and inclusion that are the absolute heart of any successful progressive political project".Speaking to the BBC from the US on the Monday after the general election, Mr Miliband criticised his brother's campaign in the 2015 general election, saying he and Mr Brown had "allowed themselves to be portrayed as moving backwards from the principles of aspiration and inclusion that are the absolute heart of any successful progressive political project".
While he acknowledged the two men were "brothers for life", he also confirmed he was not eligible to stand for the party leadership as he is not an MP.While he acknowledged the two men were "brothers for life", he also confirmed he was not eligible to stand for the party leadership as he is not an MP.
Labour's election rulesLabour's election rules
MPs wishing to stand as leader and deputy leader have to be nominated by 15% of their colleagues in the Parliamentary Labour Party to be eligible to stand.MPs wishing to stand as leader and deputy leader have to be nominated by 15% of their colleagues in the Parliamentary Labour Party to be eligible to stand.
As Labour now has 232 MPs, this means prospective candidates must get at least 34 signatures. That means the maximum size of any field is six contenders.As Labour now has 232 MPs, this means prospective candidates must get at least 34 signatures. That means the maximum size of any field is six contenders.
Under rules agreed last year, all Labour Party members, registered supporters and affiliated supporters - including union members - will be allowed a maximum of one vote each on a one member, one vote system.Under rules agreed last year, all Labour Party members, registered supporters and affiliated supporters - including union members - will be allowed a maximum of one vote each on a one member, one vote system.
When the election is held, they will be asked to rank candidates in order of preference.When the election is held, they will be asked to rank candidates in order of preference.
If no candidate gets 50% of all votes cast, the votes will be added up and the candidate with the fewest votes eliminated. Their 2nd preference votes will then be redistributed until one candidate has 50% of all votes cast.If no candidate gets 50% of all votes cast, the votes will be added up and the candidate with the fewest votes eliminated. Their 2nd preference votes will then be redistributed until one candidate has 50% of all votes cast.