Meacher 'makes way for McDonnell'

Former environment minister Michael Meacher has agreed to stand aside from the Labour leadership contest in favour of fellow left-winger John McDonnell, it has been claimed.

A spokesman for Mr McDonnell's campaign said Mr Meacher had confirmed when the pair met this afternoon that he was going to withdraw.

Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn said: "I'm delighted that John McDonnell is going to be the candidate of the Left."

Mr McDonnell said: "I welcome Michael's friendly decision. We are now working together to appeal to all Labour MPs to ensure that an election takes place to enable every Labour party member to participate in deciding the future of our party."

Mr McDonnell would not say how many MPs had nominated the two men.

Nominations for the post of Labour leader and deputy leader were earlier declared open following a five-minute meeting of the parliamentary party.

MPs now have until Thursday to officially register their support for candidates. Hopefuls must garner at least 44 nominations from fellow members to feature in the final ballot. Every Labour MP can support one candidate for each job.

Chancellor Gordon Brown was represented at the meeting by his campaign manager, Leader of the Commons Jack Straw.

Most of the six current deputy leadership candidates - including Labour chairwoman Hazel Blears, Justice Minister Harriet Harman, Jon Cruddas and Education Secretary Alan Johnson - were present at the meeting in the House of Commons.

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