Labour will select its new leader in September, it was announced yesterday, after the party abandoned attempts to hold a speedy contest.
Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, became the third candidate to enter the race to succeed Ed Miliband, before Yvette Cooper last night declared that she, too, would take part in the contest. Both are seen as part of an old guard whose political teeth were cut during the Blair/Brown era.
Chuka Umunna, the shadow business secretary, and Liz Kendall, the shadow care minister, declared earlier this week. Tristram Hunt, the shadow education secretary, is among those expected to follow suit. All three are part of the 2010 intake of MPs.
Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee yesterday agreed a four-month campaign to find