14/05/2007

Labour leadership nominations open

Michael Meacher has stood aside for John McDonnell who will be a candidate to contest the Labour Party leadership election against Gordon Brown.

Mr Brown says he would welcome the contest.

On Sunday Mr Brown took part in his first debate with two of the possible contenders, Michael Meacher and John McDonnell. One of the party's left wingers was expected to stand down to allow the other to mount a stronger challenge against Mr Brown.

Nominations for the leadership contest open at 2.30pm today and will close at 12.30pm on Thursday.

Speaking at the debate held at the Fabian Society, Mr Brown has insisted that Labour will not be returning to the failed policies of the past.

There will be 10 hustings events prior to the one-day leadership convention in Manchester on Sunday June 24.

The current Labour party leader Tony Blair has set June 27 as the date he will step down.

(SP/KMcA)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

19 September 2008
Embattled PM Faces Online Disgruntlement
Rumbles of Labour discontent have been felt on the party's website - proving the Prime Minister has fallen out of favour with grass root supporters. An online poll has suggested embattled Labour leader Gordon Brown faces strong opposition from members logging onto Labourhome.org - a forum for party followers.
17 May 2007
Brown 'humbled' by Labour support
Chancellor Gordon Brown has said that he was "truly humbled" by the support he received from the Labour party, after he secured enough nominations to become party leader without a leadership contest.
15 March 2010
Brown Attacks Unite Over BA Strike
The Labour party leader has 'turned on' a leading trade union and slammed their planned walk-out. Prime Minister Gordon Brown used a radio interview this morning to hit out at the Unite union as talks with its leadership failed to produce a breakthrough and a three-day stoppage by airline cabin crew looms for this weekend.
16 September 2008
Scotland Minister Resigns From Government
Minister for Scotland David Cairns has resigned from Gordon Brown's government, Downing Street has confirmed. The news comes amid the Labour party's refusal to send out leadership nomination forms.
11 May 2007
Brown's Labour leader bid gains Blair's 'full support'
As Gordon Brown launched his campaign for the leadership of the Labour Party he has said that he is prepared to "listen and learn". The UK Chancellor set out his "Gordon Brown for Britain" stall in a speech delivered to party activists in central London.