Several senior female Labour MPs have dropped out of the contest to replace Angela Rayner as deputy leader, as a compressed timetable and concerns about a potentially toxic atmosphere narrow the field. Candidates have until Thursday afternoon to secure nominations from at least 80 Labour MPs.
Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, is expected to enter the race as a de facto Downing Street choice, potentially facing Emily Thornberry, who would position herself as a voice for backbenchers. Four women tipped as possible frontrunners have already ruled themselves out: Shabana Mahmood, Lou Haigh, Jess Phillips, and Lisa Nandy.
Mahmood, the new home secretary, said she wanted to focus on her job and securing borders. Haigh, former transport secretary, said she would campaign for a more ambitious approach from the backbenches. At least one potential candidate cited worries about pressure and a possible repeat of the scrutiny Rayner faced over her personal life.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy is running as the candidate of the Labour left, while Thornberry is widely expected to run and has been gauging support. Phillipson, who represents a Sunderland seat, faces accusations she would not properly represent backbench MPs. Other mooted contenders include Alison McGovern, Lucy Powell, Stella Creasy, and figures from the left such as Richard Burgon.
The contest is an unwelcome distraction for Prime Minister Keir Starmer after Rayner's resignation over stamp duty underpayment. The timetable set by Labour's national executive committee requires MP nominations from Tuesday to Thursday, with a second stage from 13-27 September requiring nominations from constituency parties or affiliated bodies.
