Sir Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy, Jess Phillips or Emily Thornberry are still in the race.
Clive Lewis has pulled out of the Labour leadership race, saying he was “standing aside in the spirit of pluralism, diversity and generosity”. Abandoning his leadership bid on Monday, Mr Lewis said: “At this stage, it’s clear that I won’t get on the ballot.” Mr Lewis required another 18 nominations from MPs or MEPs to reach the 22 threshold required by Monday’s 2.30pm deadline.
The candidates to succeed Jeremy Corbyn have until 2.30pm on Monday to reach the threshold.
Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy, Jess Phillips and Emily Thornberry are the remaining candidates.
Lewis said he was standing aside “in the spirit of pluralism, diversity and generosity”.
In the spirit of pluralism, diversity and generosity that I’ve promoted throughout this campaign, I’m withdrawing from the leadership contest so that those who’ve supported me can recast their nominations. https://t.co/uMgz2b3N66
— Clive Lewis MP (@labourlewis) January 13, 2020
“For me, this election wasn’t about just the leadership of the Labour Party but about our survival as an engaging and relevant political movement that could win a path to power,” he added.
Those who win the support of 22 MPs and MEPs, must then get the nominations of 5% of all constituency Labour parties or three Labour affiliates – of which at least two must be trade unions – comprising at least 5% of the fully paid-up affiliate membership.
The freeze date for new members to join and be eligible to vote is January 20.
People will also be able to join as a registered supporter for a fee of £25 provided they are on the electoral register and meet the membership qualification criteria of membership of the party.
Applications to become a registered supporter open at 5pm on January 14 and close at 5pm on January 16.
The second stage of nominations from constituency parties and affiliates then opens on January 15 and runs to February 14.
The ballot of members and registered supporters opens the following week on February 21, closing at midday on Thursday April 2.
The result will be announced on April 4 at a special conference in London.
