Housing minister Alison McGovern has pulled out of the Labour deputy leadership race.
In a statement posted on social media, the MP for Birkenhead said it was “clear” she wasn’t going to progress to the next stage, which required the backing of 80 colleagues.
She said she will be nominating Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who is the current frontrunner.
Ms McGovern said: “Despite picking up support today it is clear that the momentum of this contest has shifted and I am not going to progress to the next stage.
“I am pulling out of the race now to allow my supporters to switch their nominations to one of the remaining candidates before the deadline.
“I want to thank everyone who has offered me support and encouragement in this race. I will be nominating my friend and colleague Bridget Phillipson as the candidate best placed to unite our party and take the fight to our opponents.”
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
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