Summary
Alison McGovern has withdrawn from the race to become the deputy leader of the Labour Party and is now supporting Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary. Phillipson appears to be leading the race, having garnered considerable support from MPs, with her team confident of meeting the required nominations before the deadline. Other candidates, including Lucy Powell and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, are also vying for support ahead of the election.
Key Facts
- Alison McGovern has quit the Labour deputy leadership race and endorsed Bridget Phillipson.
- To continue in the race, candidates need support from at least 80 MPs by the deadline.
- Bridget Phillipson has already secured 44 nominations, positioning her as a frontrunner.
- Lucy Powell and Bell Ribeiro-Addy are her main competitors, with 35 and eight backers, respectively.
- The contest arises from Angela Rayner's resignation as Labour deputy leader.
- Around 300 Labour MPs have not yet declared their support for any candidate.
- Some Labour leaders want the new deputy to be a woman from northern England, countering the current leadership's London focus.
- Bridget Phillipson, an MP from the North East, stands out as a candidate supportive of the government, which could affect her overall support within the party.
