Who could replace Angela Rayner as Labour deputy leader?

"Getty Images The starting gun has been fired in the race to replace Angela Rayner as deputy Labour leader. Rayner resigned from the role - as well as her government jobs of housing secretary and deputy prime minister - after failing to pay enough tax when buying a flat. Candidates now have until Thursday evening to win the backing of at least 80 Labour MPs, and will then need support from either 5% of local parties or three Labour-affiliated groups, including two unions. The winner will then be decided in a vote of party members, with an announcement due on 25 October."

"PA Media Phillipson was early out of the blocks to declare her candidacy, pledging to unite the party and take on Reform UK. As education secretary, Phillipson is a senior cabinet member and would be more supportive of the government than other candidates. The Labour MP for Houghton and Sunderland South since 2010, Phillipson has highlighted her background and her journey from growing up in a council house, to taking on the highest ministerial ranks of government. Describing herself as a "proud working class woman from the north east", Phillipson said that with her help Labour could defeat Nigel Farage's party while "staying true" to its values of equality, fairness and social justice. "With me as Deputy Leader we will beat them right across the country and unite to deliver the opportunity that working people across this great country deserve," Phillipson said."

"The other declared candidate is the south London MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy. A committed left-winger, Ribeiro-Addy is a close ally of veteran MP Diane Abbott and is being backed by the Socialist Campaign Group, a left-leaning caucus of the party."

Angela Rayner resigned as deputy Labour leader and from her government roles after failing to pay enough tax on a flat purchase. Candidates must secure backing from at least 80 Labour MPs by Thursday evening, then obtain support from either 5% of local parties or three Labour-affiliated groups, including two unions. The membership will vote to decide the winner, with an announcement scheduled for 25 October. Education secretary Yvette (Phillipson) declared early, emphasizing unity, working-class roots and taking on Reform UK. Bell Ribeiro-Addy has also declared, positioned on the left and backed by the Socialist Campaign Group.

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