Cruddas to nominate Abbott to ensure a broad contest

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

UPDATE: I understand Jon Cruddas submitted his nomination just after 7pm tonight, so it is likely to appear on the official list of Diane Abbott’s nominations tomorrow lunchtime.

Jon Cruddas is expected to nominate Diane Abbott today, to ensure the leadership contest is as broad as possible.

Though Cruddas has not yet made his mind up on who he will actually cast his vote for – he wants to hear the debate between candidates first – he has heard and shares the frustrations of party members that the debate between currently nominated candidates is too narrow.

With just a week to go before nominations close, half of the declared candidates – Andy Burnham, Diane Abbott and John McDonnell – are still struggling to secure the required nominations to enter the hustings and be on the ballot.

Cruddas’ support may give Abbott a boost, and encourage thew remaining MPs to reconisder their nominations to ensure the broadest possible debate.