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Johnson 'unity candidate' claim Cruddas 'close' to entering race
(about 1 hour later)
Education Secretary Alan Johnson has launched his campaign to become Labour's deputy leader, calling himself the "unity" candidate. Jon Cruddas is close to getting the 45 nominations needed to run for Labour's deputy leader, the BBC understands.
He praised runaway leadership favourite Gordon Brown, saying he could be a "great prime minister". The only backbench deputy leadership hopeful has 40 backers and hopes to pick up more later, his camp claimed.
Mr Johnson also said he had the backing of 64 MPs, including current deputy leader John Prescott. The six candidates in the race must get the support of 45 MPs by Thursday lunchtime to enter the formal contest. Four say they already have enough.
The six candidates in the race must get the support of 45 MPs by Thursday lunchtime to enter the formal contest. Education Secretary Alan Johnson launched his own campaign earlier, saying he had the backing of 64 MPs.
'Background' BBC political correspondent James Landale said the Cruddas camp said they expected to reach 45 backers by Wednesday.
DEPUTY CONTEST SUPPORT Hilary Benn - UnknownHazel Blears - 48 MPsJon Cruddas - UnknownPeter Hain - 48 MPsHarriet Harman - 61 MPs Alan Johnson - 64 MPs
So far four candidates say they have at least 45 backers: Mr Johnson; Justice Minister Harriet Harman; Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain; and party chairman Hazel Blears.
It is not yet clear if the sixth - Hilary Benn - has enough support.
Earlier Mr Johnson said he could be the "unity" candidate and said he was backed by 64 MPs, including the current deputy leader John Prescott.
'Force for unity'
Mr Johnson said: "I think I'm the right person at this time for this leader to be the deputy. I believe I've got the skills. I believe I've got the experience.Mr Johnson said: "I think I'm the right person at this time for this leader to be the deputy. I believe I've got the skills. I believe I've got the experience.
"I believe I've got the background to enhance and complement Gordon's enormous appeal to the electorate. I can be a force for unity.""I believe I've got the background to enhance and complement Gordon's enormous appeal to the electorate. I can be a force for unity."
DEPUTY CONTEST SUPPORT Hilary Benn - UnknownHazel Blears - 48 MPsJon Cruddas - UnknownPeter Hain - 48 MPsHarriet Harman - 61 MPs Alan Johnson - 64 MPs
The education secretary is backing Mr Brown's bid to be Labour leader and prime minister.The education secretary is backing Mr Brown's bid to be Labour leader and prime minister.
But he said the winner of the deputy leadership contest should not necessarily become deputy prime minister, unlike Mr Prescott. Mr Johnson (left) says he would work well with Gordon Brown
But he said the winner of the deputy leadership contest should not necessarily become deputy prime minister - Mr Prescott holds both roles.
Later Mr Johnson, a former postman, told the BBC he would be a good partner for Mr Brown because of the differences in their background - in much the same way Mr Prescott was for Tony Blair.Later Mr Johnson, a former postman, told the BBC he would be a good partner for Mr Brown because of the differences in their background - in much the same way Mr Prescott was for Tony Blair.
"We come from different parts of the country; we left school at the earliest age we could, but Gordon to go off to university because he was so bright at aged 16, me to go and stack shelves at Tesco when I was 15," Mr Johnson said."We come from different parts of the country; we left school at the earliest age we could, but Gordon to go off to university because he was so bright at aged 16, me to go and stack shelves at Tesco when I was 15," Mr Johnson said.
"I had a family early; he started a family late. I brought up three kids on a council estate."I had a family early; he started a family late. I brought up three kids on a council estate.
"I was a postman for many years, I had a background in the trade union movement - a completely different route to Gordon's.""I was a postman for many years, I had a background in the trade union movement - a completely different route to Gordon's."
Deputy leadership candidates have until 1230 BST on Thursday to gather the 45 MPs' nominations to enter the national ballot.
Backers
The Labour Party will give its first figures on nominations at 1800 BST on Thursday, updating the figures twice daily.The Labour Party will give its first figures on nominations at 1800 BST on Thursday, updating the figures twice daily.
So far four candidates say they have at least 45 backers: Mr Johnson; Justice Minister Harriet Harman; Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain; and party chairman Hazel Blears.
The two others - backbencher Jon Cruddas and Northern Ireland Secretary - have yet to reveal their level of support, but both say they are confident.
There are 352 Labour MPs, meaning all six candidates could get through to the national ballot.There are 352 Labour MPs, meaning all six candidates could get through to the national ballot.
The winner, decided by party members, trade unionists and MPs and European Parliament members, will be announced on 24 June.The winner, decided by party members, trade unionists and MPs and European Parliament members, will be announced on 24 June.