Emily Thornberry makes it through to next round of Labour leadership contest
2 min read
Emily Thornberry has made it through to the next stage of the Labour leadership contest after Clive Lewis withdrew from the race.
The Shadow Foreign Secretary hit the 22-nominations threshold for MP and MEP support with just minutes to spare before the deadline.
She joins Sir Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips in making it through to the next round.
They now need to receive the backing of at least 33 local Labour branches, or three affiliate organisations - two of which must be trade unions.
Ms Thornberry received a flurry of late support in the run-up to the 2.30pm deadline, having had just 13 nominations on Monday morning.
Her success was confirmed shortly after Clive Lewis announced that he was quitting the race.
The shadow Treasury minister said: "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.
"At this stage, it’s clear that I won’t get on the ballot. So, I’m standing aside in the spirit of pluralism, diversity and generosity that I’ve promoted throughout this campaign, so that those who have supported me can recast their nominations."
Sir Keir, who was the clear winner among MPs with 86 nominations, said: "I'm pleased to have received the support of colleagues in Parliament to make it to the next phase of this contest.
"This has been a good natured and respectful start to the debate about the future of Labour Party. Lots of important issues have been raised by all the candidates in the race so far.
"Over the coming weeks, I'm looking forward to travelling across the country to listen to members and activists about how together we can restore people’s trust in Labour as a force for good."
Meanwhile, all five remaining candidates in the running to be deputy leader have made it through to the next stage of the contest.
Richard Burgon, Dawn Butler and Rosena Allin-Khan joined Angela Rayner and Ian Murray after all receiving the 22 nominations they needed from colleagues.
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