The MP for Pontypridd says Labour needs both a “radical and credible” leader and claims said he could “heal” the party.
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Britain’s opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Tuesday won a crucial victory against rebels seeking to unseat him, after the party’s executive committee ruled he would automatically be included on a leadership ballot.
A meeting of the Labour NEC on Thursday ruled that union affiliates who had joined in the last six months would be barred from voting, bringing them into line with the previously declared rules on people who have joined as full members.
The Labour leadership election operates on a One Member One Vote (OMOV) system following changes made by Ed Miliband in the wake of the 2014 Collins Report.
The leadership candidate said many Leave voters now regret their decision and are angry after being “clearly misled” by the Brexit campaign.
Smith, who only entered parliament in 2010 compared to Eagle’s arrival in 1992 and Corbyn’s in 1983, said: “I think we need the next generation of Labour men and women to step up and put our stamp on this party”.
Speaking outside the meeting, Mr Corbyn, who was elected as leader overwhelmingly in a vote of Labour members and registered supporters a year ago, said he would campaign on “all the things that matter”.
Since the announcement, Corbyn supporter Lauren Ashby has created a crowdfunding page in a bid to raise £5,000 to help cover the cost for those who wish to have their say.
Mr Smith was due to warn that he believes the Labour Party is heading for a “disastrous split”.
Reaching the target of 51 would have been by no means certain as many of his MPs recently voted against him in a no-confidence motion. Her press conference was overshadowed by Andrea Leadsom’s announcement that she was dropping out of the Conservative leadership race, essentially paving the way for Theresa May to be coronated as the next Prime Minister.
Mr Reed pointed out that regardless of Mr Corby’s ledership, Labour MPs would retain their party status if they continue to be selected by their local party.
This week Labour’s National Executive Committee voted by 18 votes to 14 that, as incumbent, Corbyn did not need to garner enough votes to meet the threshold. I welcome the contest ahead.
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Tom Blenkinsop has condemned shadow chancellor John McDonnell for his comments at a Jeremy Corbyn rally in London.
