Overview

• Allies say the education secretary has secured the 80 MP nominations required to appear on the ballot, with expectations she could top 100 backers before the 5pm Thursday deadline.
• Lucy Powell is the closest challenger based on early public tallies, while Emily Thornberry, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Paula Barker and Alison McGovern face a steep path to the 20% MP threshold.
• An online MPs’ hustings is scheduled for Wednesday evening, drawing complaints from candidates about limited time and access in what some describe as an undemocratic process.
• If only one government-aligned contender makes the cut, Labour figures warn the race could look like a coronation and strain party unity and public perception.
• Under party rules, candidates who clear MP nominations must then qualify via CLPs or affiliates before a members’ vote set for 8–23 October, with the result due on 25 October after Angela Rayner’s resignation over a ministerial‑code breach.