Hain and Harman bid for deputy's job

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Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain and justice minister Harriet Harman said they had the backing needed to enter the contest when Labour's National Executive Committee invites nominations.

Candidates need to gain the support of 44 or more MPs to secure a place on the ballot.

Within two hours of John Prescott formally announcing his intention to stand down, Mr Hain said that he had the 44 nominations by Labour MPs needed for his name to go forward as a candidate.

In all, he said that he had pledges of support from 47 MPs, including his predecessor as Northern Ireland Secretary, Paul Murphy.

In a speech to his constituency party in Neath, he will say that their backing showed his ability to appeal to voters across the country.

Harman's team announced she had also secured the backing of sufficient MPs to enter the deputy leadership contest.

Among the list of 45 are Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt and Europe Minister Geoff Hoon.

The others who have said they will contest the job are Education Secretary Alan Johnson, International Development Secretary Hilary Benn, party chairman Hazel Blears and backbencher Jon Cruddas.

Mr Prescott confirmed he was stepping down in a letter to his Hull East party.