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Blears 'to run for deputy leader' Blears 'to run for deputy leader'
(about 3 hours later)
Labour chairman Hazel Blears is to launch a bid for the party's deputy leadership.Labour chairman Hazel Blears is to launch a bid for the party's deputy leadership.
She will be the sixth MP to enter the race to replace John Prescott when he stands down later this year with Prime Minister Tony Blair.She will be the sixth MP to enter the race to replace John Prescott when he stands down later this year with Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The Salford MP, who is seen as a loyal Blairite, is expected to make a formal announcement on Saturday.The Salford MP, who is seen as a loyal Blairite, is expected to make a formal announcement on Saturday.
A source told the BBC last week that she had received a "strong" show of support from MPs and party members.A source told the BBC last week that she had received a "strong" show of support from MPs and party members.
Mr Blair has said he will step down by September, and Mr Prescott has said he will leave government at the same time.
Chancellor Gordon Brown is still firm favourite to succeed Mr Blair, with no challengers yey emerging from the Cabinet ranks to compete for the top job.
But candidates for Mr Prescott's post have been far more forthcoming.
'Success and aspiration'
Ms Blears, 50, who was promoted to the Cabinet last May, will promise to ensure that Labour is a party of "success and aspiration".
She has consistently defended Blairite policies on everything from tuition fees to the Iraq war.
But her decision to join a demonstration against the closure of a maternity unit in her constituency prompted her political rivals to accuse her of "double standards", for campaigning against government policy.
She responded: "My first and foremost job is to represent Salford and the people of the area."
Meacher challenge
Ms Blears has also faced criticism from potential rivals for the deputy leadership that she has been campaigning behind the scenes for some months.
Her post gives her better access to the party machine and wider membership than others - but she has denied abusing the role.
Cabinet ministers Hilary Benn, Peter Hain and Alan Johnson are already campaigning for the deputy leadership, along with Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman and backbencher Jon Cruddas.Cabinet ministers Hilary Benn, Peter Hain and Alan Johnson are already campaigning for the deputy leadership, along with Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman and backbencher Jon Cruddas.
Chancellor Gordon Brown is seen as the strong favourite to replace Mr Blair, but the deputy contest is regarded as far more open. Gordon Brown is seen as the strong favourite to replace Mr Blair, but on Wednesday, veteran left winger Michael Meacher said he wanted to challenge him for the party leadership.
Ms Blears, who became party chairman last May, has faced criticism from potential rivals for the deputy leadership that she has been campaigning behind the scenes for some months. He said Labour members deserved a say in the party's future direction and insisted it was not a "foregone conclusion" that Mr Brown would be the next prime minister.
On Wednesday, veteran left winger Michael Meacher said he wanted to challenge Gordon Brown for the party leadership.
He joins fellow left-winger John McDonnell as a potential candidate.He joins fellow left-winger John McDonnell as a potential candidate.
Both men must now gain the backing of 45 Labour MPs to get on to the ballot and trigger a contest.Both men must now gain the backing of 45 Labour MPs to get on to the ballot and trigger a contest.