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Labour deputy contenders woo MPs Labour deputy contenders woo MPs
(about 6 hours later)
The six contenders to be Labour deputy leader are seeking MPs' support ahead of next week's nominations deadline.The six contenders to be Labour deputy leader are seeking MPs' support ahead of next week's nominations deadline.
Welsh Secretary Peter Hain and Justice Minister Harriet Harman have published lists of backers. Welsh Secretary Peter Hain and Justice Minister Harriet Harman have published lists of more than the 45 backers needed to enter a nationwide ballot.
Alan Johnson and Hazel Blears are also thought likely to gain the support of at least 45 MPs - the threshold for entering a nationwide ballot. Chairman Hazel Blears has 45 backers. Education Secretary Alan Johnson is also thought to have enough backers.
Jon Cruddas says he is confident of achieving this, while Hilary Benn has yet to declare how many backers he has. International Development Secretary Hilary Benn has yet to declare. Jon Cruddas is "confident" of numbers.
'Renew''Renew'
The post of deputy leader will become vacant when John Prescott stands down about the same time as Prime Minister Tony Blair goes on 27 June.The post of deputy leader will become vacant when John Prescott stands down about the same time as Prime Minister Tony Blair goes on 27 June.
Labour's ruling National Executive Committee meets on Sunday to set the deadline for nominations, which is expected to be next Thursday.Labour's ruling National Executive Committee meets on Sunday to set the deadline for nominations, which is expected to be next Thursday.
Mr Hain said he had the backing of 48 MPs, while Ms Harman said more than 45 had declared their support for her.Mr Hain said he had the backing of 48 MPs, while Ms Harman said more than 45 had declared their support for her.
Speaking to his constituency party at Neath in South Wales, Mr Hain said: "We've got to work together, build a strong partnership together and renew our party from top to bottom and revitalise our government after 10 years in power when there's a bit of grumpiness as regards our Labour government. We've got to turn it all around and I believe we can do so."
'Encouraged'
Ms Harman said Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt and Europe Minister Geoff Hoon were among her supporters.Ms Harman said Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt and Europe Minister Geoff Hoon were among her supporters.
"I am very encouraged by the backing I have got to be part of the leadership team," she added. Ms Blears has published a list of 45 backers, while Mr Johnson is expected to give details at his campaign's official launch on Tuesday.
Support for Mr Benn includes the Justice Secretary Lord Falconer and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Timms.Support for Mr Benn includes the Justice Secretary Lord Falconer and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Timms.
Home Secretary John Reid is backing Ms Blears, who is currently Labour chairman, with Pensions Secretary John Hutton also behind her. Home Secretary John Reid and with Pensions Secretary John Hutton are backing Ms Blears.
Mr Cruddas, a backbencher, told the BBC he was confident he would have enough support to enter the contest, adding that his campaign was backed by the UK's biggest union, Unite. Mr Cruddas told the BBC he was confident he would have enough support to enter the contest, adding that his campaign was backed by the UK's biggest union, Unite.
Mr Johnson, the education secretary, has previously said he has the support of more than 45 MPs.
Mr Prescott will step down about the same time as Prime Minister Tony Blair, who said on Thursday that he would quit on 27 June.
Labour Party members, trade unions and Labour MPs, peers and European Parliament members each have a third of the vote.Labour Party members, trade unions and Labour MPs, peers and European Parliament members each have a third of the vote.