Blears joins deputy leadership bid - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

Blears joins deputy leadership bid

Labour Party chairwoman Hazel Blears has published the names of 45 MPs backing her bid to become deputy leader - enough to secure a place on the ballot paper.

The supporters include four Cabinet colleagues and make the loyal Blairite the third of the six declared candidates to meet the minimum requirement.

Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain and Justice Minister Harriet Harman both released lists of backers on Thursday as John Prescott formally announced he would quit alongside Tony Blair.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson is expected to reach the required number of nominations comfortably, while Development Secretary Hilary Benn and centre-left MP Jon Cruddas have also said they are confident of appearing on the ballot.

Observers believe it is unlikely that all six candidates will have collected enough names when nominations close next Thursday.

Each Labour MP can nominate only one candidate.

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