Sir Keir Starmer, the favourite to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader, has called for the party to become a “trusted force for good” as up to nine rival candidates consider whether to stand next week. Long-Bailey, the MP for Salford and Eccles, has been seen as the candidate to continue Corbyn’s transformation of the party. A spokesman said Lavery has been “inundated with requests from Labour members and supporters asking him to stand”. Lisa Nandy, the MP for Wigan is expected to make a decision this weekend after being urged to stand by union and party members. Some on the left of the party have grown increasingly concerned that Starmer could be buoyed by a “centrist insurgence” of registered supporters – members who pay a one-off fee to vote in the leadership contest.

Source: The Guardian January 02, 2020 19:50 UTC