Several senior female Labour MPs have withdrawn from the contest to replace Angela Rayner as deputy leader, citing a compressed nomination timetable and concerns about a potentially toxic atmosphere. The field has narrowed significantly as hopefuls must secure nominations from at least 80 Labour MPs by Thursday afternoon.
Among those ruling themselves out are Shabana Mahmood, the new home secretary, who stated her focus is on border security; Lou Haigh, former transport secretary, who said she prefers to campaign from the backbenches for a more ambitious government approach; and Jess Phillips and Lisa Nandy, who are also not standing. At least one potential candidate expressed worries about the pressure and scrutiny similar to that faced by Rayner over her personal life.
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. Bell Ribeiro-Addy, a south London MP close to Diane Abbott, is running as the candidate of the Labour left. Other possible contenders include Alison McGovern, Lucy Powell, Stella Creasy, and several left-wing figures.
The contest, which opens for MP nominations on Tuesday and closes on Thursday at 5pm, requires candidates to secure 80 MP nominations (20% of the parliamentary party), plus nominations from at least 5% of constituency Labour parties or three affiliated bodies, including at least two unions. The second stage runs from 13 to 27 September.
The race is an unwelcome distraction for Prime Minister Keir Starmer following Rayner's resignation as deputy prime minister and housing secretary over a stamp duty issue. Starmer addressed Labour MPs on Monday evening to reassure them amid the turmoil.
