Several senior female Labour MPs have withdrawn from the contest to replace Angela Rayner as the party's deputy leader, following a compressed timetable and concerns about a potentially toxic atmosphere. Shabana Mahmood, Lou Haigh, Jess Phillips, and Lisa Nandy have all ruled themselves out, citing reasons ranging from focusing on new government roles to wanting to campaign from the backbenches.
Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, is expected to enter the race and would be seen as the de facto Downing Street candidate. She may face Emily Thornberry, who is likely to position herself as a voice for backbenchers. Bell Ribeiro-Addy, a south London MP close to Diane Abbott, is running as the candidate of the Labour left.
The contest has been rushed, with MP nominations opening on Tuesday and closing at 5pm on Thursday. Candidates need at least 80 MP nominations (20% of the parliamentary party) and must also secure support from constituency parties or affiliated bodies, including unions, by September 27.
Despite the smooth process hoped for, the contest is an unwelcome distraction for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who faced Labour MPs on Monday evening to reassure them after Rayner's resignation over a stamp duty scandal. Other potential contenders include Alison McGovern, Lucy Powell, Stella Creasy, and left-wing figures like Richard Burgon.
