Labour's new leader to be unveiled on 4 April after party bosses agree three-month contest
2 min read
Jeremy Corbyn's successor as Labour leader will be announced on 4 April, party bosses have announced.
Labour's ruling National Executive Committee agreed to a three-month leadership contest at a meeting on Monday.
Those planning to enter the race will have until next Monday to get the necessary 22 nominations from Labour MPs and MEPs.
Members of the public who want to become "registered supporters" in order vote in the contest will be able to do so between 14 and 16 January, and will have to pay £25 - the same amount as in the last leadership race in 2016.
It is understood that Jeremy Corbyn unsuccessfully argued at the meeting that the fee should be reduced to £12.
Candidates who get the required MP and MEP nominations will have until 14 February to also win the backing of either 5% of Constituency Labour Parties, or at least three affiliated groups, two of which must be trade unions.
Meanwhile, a membership "freeze date" of 20 January has been agreed, meaning anyone joining the party after that date will not be eligible to vote in the contest.
The ballot opens on 21 February, and closes on 2 April, with the result announced at a special conference two days later.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: "We are by far the largest political party in the UK with well over half a million members. We want as many of our members and supporters to take part, so it has been designed to be open, fair and democratic."
The timetable means that Jeremy Corbyn could have as many as 14 more Prime Minister's Questions to take part in before he stands down. His last one will be on 1 April.
Clive Lewis, Emily Thornberry, Lisa Nandy, Jess Phillips and Sir Keir Starmer have already confirmed they are standing to be leader, with Rebecca Long Bailey, Ian Lavery and Dan Jarvis also tipped to run.
The timetable will also be the same for the deputy leadership election.
Angela Rayner became the latest candidate to throw their hat into the ring for that contest, joining Richard Burgon, Khalid Mahmood and Dawn Butler.
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