Labour leadership election: Angela Eagle withdraws from race and backs Owen Smith to be new leader

Jamie Bullen20 July 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Angela Eagle has quit her challenge to Jeremy Corbyn's leadership of the Labour Party and backed Owen Smith in the upcoming election with the two men set to go head-to-head.

The former shadow business secretary pulled out of the race on Tuesday after it became apparent Mr Smith had won more support from the party's MPs and MEPs.

The Wallasey MP was the first to mount a public challenge to Mr Corbyn amid deepening internal divisions which sparked mass resignations from the shadow cabinet.

But now only Mr Smith, the former shadow work and pensions secretary, will go forward to contest the leader in a ballot of party members and supporters which ends on September 24.

Speaking at Westminster, Ms Eagle said she will be supporting Mr Smith, adding "We are in lock-step together, arguing for a united Labour Party."

She said: "We have a Labour Party at the moment that is not working, we've got a leader that doesn't have the confidence of his Members of Parliament and isn't reaching out to the country.

"We need to have a strong and united Labour Party so we can be a good opposition, take the fight to the Conservative Government and heal our country.

"So I am announcing tonight that I will be supporting Owen in that endeavour with all my enthusiasm and might."

Mr Smith easily passed the hurdle of 51 nominations needed to become a candidate after he received 88 nominations from Labour MPs and two from MEPs.

Mr Smith has obtained nominations from 88 Labour MPs and two MEPs to become a leadership candidate, easily clearing the 51 hurdle to get his name onto the ballot paper.

Among his supporters is former Labour leader Ed Miliband.

Ms Eagle is thought to have been on track to end up around 10 short of Mr Smith's tally by the close of nominations.

Following a ruling by Labour's National Executive Committee, Mr Corbyn was not required to secure votes to take part in the leadership contest.

Ms Eagle said that while there had been a "narrow gap" in support among MPs for her and Mr Smith, she concluded it was in the best interests of the party to drop out.

Mr Smith paid tribute to Ms Eagle following her decision and described her as his "right-hand woman" as he bids to take on Mr Corbyn in the all-male leadership battle.

He said: "I will want to work side-by-side with Angela throughout this contest. I want Angela to be at my right hand. I need Angela to work alongside me in this contest and in the years that follow it.

"She is a great Labour woman and I absolutely cannot do without her in what will be a very difficult few months.

"Angela is a star in the Labour firmament and she will be at my right hand throughout this contest, and if I am successful thereafter, Angela will be alongside me as my right-hand woman."

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