Matt_o_Mac
22-02-2007, 09:33
Here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6385285.stm)
Former Environment Minister Michael Meacher is to announce he will challenge Gordon Brown for leadership of the Labour Party.
Mr Meacher, who is on the left of the party, had said there should be a contest when Tony Blair steps down.
He has told the BBC he has more backing from MPs than fellow left-winger John McDonnell, who has been planning a leadership bid since last July.
Tony Blair and his deputy John Prescott will step down before next autumn.
Mr Meacher, one of Labour's longest-serving MPs, has been a vocal critic of the government since leaving the Cabinet.
He has criticised chancellor Gordon Brown, the favourite to take over from Mr Blair, for signalling he would renew Britain's nuclear weapons system.
He has said there had to be " proper debate" about Trident, if not a referendum on the issue.
Mr Meacher has told the BBC he is confident he can get the backing of the 44 MPs needed to get on to the ballot.
There has been speculation a senior figure from the Blairite wing of the party, such as Home Secretary John Reid or Environment Secretary David Miliband would mount a leadership bid.
But so far no heavyweight contender has emerged to challenge Mr Brown.
Candidates for the deputy leadership have been more forthcoming, with Mr Hain, Hilary Benn, John Cruddas, Alan Johnson and Harriet Harman have all declared their ambitions to take over from John Prescott.
Former Environment Minister Michael Meacher is to announce he will challenge Gordon Brown for leadership of the Labour Party.
Mr Meacher, who is on the left of the party, had said there should be a contest when Tony Blair steps down.
He has told the BBC he has more backing from MPs than fellow left-winger John McDonnell, who has been planning a leadership bid since last July.
Tony Blair and his deputy John Prescott will step down before next autumn.
Mr Meacher, one of Labour's longest-serving MPs, has been a vocal critic of the government since leaving the Cabinet.
He has criticised chancellor Gordon Brown, the favourite to take over from Mr Blair, for signalling he would renew Britain's nuclear weapons system.
He has said there had to be " proper debate" about Trident, if not a referendum on the issue.
Mr Meacher has told the BBC he is confident he can get the backing of the 44 MPs needed to get on to the ballot.
There has been speculation a senior figure from the Blairite wing of the party, such as Home Secretary John Reid or Environment Secretary David Miliband would mount a leadership bid.
But so far no heavyweight contender has emerged to challenge Mr Brown.
Candidates for the deputy leadership have been more forthcoming, with Mr Hain, Hilary Benn, John Cruddas, Alan Johnson and Harriet Harman have all declared their ambitions to take over from John Prescott.