MPs request paperwork in bid to trigger Brown contest

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The party confirmed that a "handful" of backbenchers had asked for the crucial papers that are required to trigger a wider vote at the annual conference this month.

Former minister Graham Stringer confirmed that he was one of those who had asked for the official forms. Three other MPs are understood to have asked for the papers.

Another former minister George Howarth - a key ally of Tony Blair - refused to deny he was one of the MPs involved.

To trigger a leadership vote at the party conference 71 MPs have to complete the forms. Allies of the Prime Minister had hoped that Mr Brown would survive conference without any such challenge following the silence that greeted Charles Clarke's call for him to step down "with honour" if he failed to revive Labour's prospects this autumn.

Another former minister, Frank Field, a persistent critic of Mr Brown, has requested the papers, the Standard has learned.

Many of the rebel MPs are annoyed that the party has not sent out the forms as a matter of course this year. Labour party HQ insists that any MP who wants to request nomination papers has to write in person to the General Secretary.

There are several hurdles to clear before Mr Brown can be ousted as leader. Once the 71 MPs - 20 per cent - have demanded a contest, a majority of the conference then has to vote for one before the process can go ahead. If there is a majority, then a leadership election has to be held immediately.