Mr Smith was due to warn that he believes the Labour Party is heading for a “disastrous split”.
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“I’m seeing the governor of the Bank of England this morning and we’ll take stock of where we are”. “Some people support the leader, some people support the MP’s position”, he said. I want to see a left future for Birmingham and Britain.
The victor of the contest, which will formally get underway with an announcement of the timetable on Thursday, is expected to be crowned in September.
“That would be to let down those we represent. It badly needs a Labour government”.
Owen Smith has confirmed that he will stand for the Labour leadership.
He explained: “It’s fair to say we were probably a little nervous about going onto the streets of Chelmsford, a city that has elected a Conservative MP since 1950”.
The exchange took place just as the former shadow Welsh secretary and Leanne Wood were about to take part in the ITV Wales general election debate in 2015. Full-time members may become registered voters if they shell out £25.
Foster, who stood as a parliamentary candidate for Camborne and Redruth a year ago, argued that Corbyn should not be allowed to “self-nominate and use support external to the parliamentary party to maintain his leadership”. The race will formally get under way today, with the announcement of the timetable for an election.
Mr Corbyn’s supporters – who had reacted with joy at the news that he was on the ballot – quickly turned on the NEC accusing it of “social exclusion” and signing up new members under false pretences.
Yesterday, Labour’s National Executive Committee ruled that Corbyn should automatically be in the contest, an issue which had caused much controversy after some MPs had insisted he should be subjected to the same criteria of requiring the support of 51 MPs and MEPs.
A second British Labour opposition lawmaker entered the contest to topple leader Jeremy Corbyn on Wednesday, boosting the veteran left-winger’s chances of being re-elected by splitting the support of those who oppose him.
Mr Corbyn will be on the leadership ballot paper, and Angela Eagle has already declared that she is running against him.
Eagle said she was pleased the NEC had reached a decision.
“I think it helps”, Smith said, adding: “I think your gender helps”. “And I am determined to win it”.
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In a statement, Corbyn said the incident was “extremely concerning” and that he had also been subjected to threats.
