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Johnson starts deputy leader bid Johnson starts deputy leader bid
(about 6 hours later)
Education Secretary Alan Johnson is launching his bid to become Labour's next deputy leader.Education Secretary Alan Johnson is launching his bid to become Labour's next deputy leader.
He will start his campaign later on Friday by saying Labour must continue to occupy the political centre ground. He started his campaign later on Friday by saying Labour must continue to occupy the political centre ground.
Mr Johnson had been seen as a possible leadership contender, but has ruled himself out, calling Chancellor Gordon Brown a "vastly superior" candidate. Mr Johnson had been seen as a possible leadership contender, but ruled himself out, calling Chancellor Gordon Brown a "vastly superior" candidate.
In a speech in Hull, he will promise to "support, cajole and complement" whoever becomes party leader. In a speech in Hull, he promised to "support, cajole and complement" whoever becomes party leader.
'Enough support''Enough support'
Cabinet ministers Peter Hain and Hilary Benn, constitutional affairs minister Harriet Harman and backbencher Jon Cruddas have already declared their intention to run for the deputy leadership.Cabinet ministers Peter Hain and Hilary Benn, constitutional affairs minister Harriet Harman and backbencher Jon Cruddas have already declared their intention to run for the deputy leadership.
Commons leader Jack Straw is also thought likely to enter the race.Commons leader Jack Straw is also thought likely to enter the race.
We have been at our most successful when we have signalled our determination to win political power Alan Johnson Profile: Alan JohnsonWe have been at our most successful when we have signalled our determination to win political power Alan Johnson Profile: Alan Johnson
Mr Johnson has said he already has the backing of the 44 Labour MPs needed to stand.Mr Johnson has said he already has the backing of the 44 Labour MPs needed to stand.
In his speech, he will set out plans for a two-year campaign to retain the marginal seats which will decide the next general election. He has set out plans for a two-year campaign to retain the marginal seats which will decide the next general election.
In an open letter to Labour Party members, published on Friday, he writes: "I am not putting myself forward for leader - not least because there's a more experienced and obvious candidate.In an open letter to Labour Party members, published on Friday, he writes: "I am not putting myself forward for leader - not least because there's a more experienced and obvious candidate.
"But I will be able to assist, support, cajole and complement the person who carries the heaviest of all political burdens.""But I will be able to assist, support, cajole and complement the person who carries the heaviest of all political burdens."
The deputy must be "subordinate to and supportive of the leader, (carrying) out whatever duties the leader sees as being essential to securing a fourth term in office".The deputy must be "subordinate to and supportive of the leader, (carrying) out whatever duties the leader sees as being essential to securing a fourth term in office".
Mr Johnson, 56, a former leader of the Communication Workers Union, said he would fight to preserve Labour's link with unions.Mr Johnson, 56, a former leader of the Communication Workers Union, said he would fight to preserve Labour's link with unions.
But he warned against left-wing "dogma" which had consigned the party to opposition in the 1980s.But he warned against left-wing "dogma" which had consigned the party to opposition in the 1980s.
'Moved centre ground'
"As someone whose background, foreground, mainland and hinterland are working class, I joined a party which understands that in order to effect change it must not become a narrow class-based organisation," said the ex-postman.
"We have been at our most successful when we have signalled our determination to win political power by building an alliance of all sections of society."
Since 1997, Labour had "not just occupied the political centre ground, we've shifted it to the left" on issues like the minimum wage, international aid, family-friendly working, public service investment and full employment, he said.Since 1997, Labour had "not just occupied the political centre ground, we've shifted it to the left" on issues like the minimum wage, international aid, family-friendly working, public service investment and full employment, he said.
Mr Johnson, MP for Hull West and Hessle, revealed his supporters included parliamentary aide Laura Moffatt, Home Office minister Gerry Sutcliffe, and backbench MPs John Grogan and Sadiq Khan.Mr Johnson, MP for Hull West and Hessle, revealed his supporters included parliamentary aide Laura Moffatt, Home Office minister Gerry Sutcliffe, and backbench MPs John Grogan and Sadiq Khan.
Of the heavyweight potential candidates once thought to be possible contenders for the party leadership, only Home Secretary John Reid, former Health Secretary Alan Milburn and Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton have not revealed their intentions.Of the heavyweight potential candidates once thought to be possible contenders for the party leadership, only Home Secretary John Reid, former Health Secretary Alan Milburn and Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton have not revealed their intentions.
Mr Brown's only confirmed challenger is left-winger John McDonnell.Mr Brown's only confirmed challenger is left-winger John McDonnell.
But on Thursday ex-minister Michael Meacher signalled he may stand for leader when Tony Blair steps down next year, saying there should be a "centre-left" candidate. Mr Johnson told BBC Radio 4's The World at One: "There's no point in standing for a position just for the point of standing for a contest."
He had "never coveted" the leadership", he added.
On Thursday ex-minister Michael Meacher signalled he may stand for leader when Tony Blair steps down next year, saying there should be a "centre-left" candidate.