With the number of candidates sin Labour’s deputy leadership contest extending to seven over the bank holiday weekend (both Rushanara Ali and John Healey have announced in recent days), the battle to secure 35 nominations from MPs has become increasingly difficult. The maximum number of candidates who can reach the ballots is six.
Ben Bradshaw’s campaign has received a boost with a group of new endorsements today. He has announced that Diana Johnson, MP for Hull North, will be running his campaign. Johnson said:
“Ben has just trebled his majority in a former Tory seat. His open and inclusive politics can help us broaden our appeal and win again nationally. He is one of Labour’s best communicators and as the only candidate from the South, outside London, it is vital he is on the ballot, so his voice and experience can be part of the debate.”
Exeter MP Bradshaw is making a pitch as one of the few successful Labour candidates successful in southern England outside of London. Among his supporters revealed today are Kerry McCarthy, who is an MP in Bristol, and Peter Kyle, newly elected MP for Hove and Portslade.
Bradshaw’s endorsements announced today are:
Diana Johnson
Peter Kyle
Heidi Alexander
Frank Field
Susan Élan Jones
Paul Flynn
Stephen Timms
Kerry McCarthy
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