On Tuesday 21st January, Lisa Nandy took a huge step towards getting on the final ballot for the Labour leadership after the GMB union endorsed her candidacy. The MP for Wigan, was already supported by the National Union of Mineworkers; and that from the GMB astonished both Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey.
This followed after Birmingham MP Jess Phillips pulled out of the race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn, stating that the party needed a candidate who could unify all parts of the party, admitting, “I have to be honest, at this time, that person isn't me,”.
Candidates need the nominations of three Labour affiliates, including at least two unions, which amount to at least five per cent of affiliate members. The only other route on to the final ballot is by receiving nominations from at least 33 Constituency Labour Parties.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Shadow Brexit Secretary, is currently the frontrunner, having already secured his place on the final ballot paper as a result of nominations from the unions Unison and Usdaw as well as affiliate group, the Socialist Environment and Resources Association.
