LEFTY hopeful for Deputy Labour Leader Emily Thornberry bowed out of the contest today.
Her departure clears the way for a bruising two-horse race to succeed Angela Rayner in the prized role.
Lefty Labour MP Emily Thornberry has quiet the race to be Deputy Labour Leader[/caption]
Three candidates remain in the running: Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, ex-Commons Leader Lucy Powell and hard-left backbencher Bell Ribeiro-Addy.
A fourth contender, Paula Barker, also quit this morning.
Downing Street favourite Ms Phillipson is out in front with 116 MP votes.
Ms Powell, backed by Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, trails with 77.
The ex-Cabinet Minister, axed by Sir Keir Starmer for under-performing, sparked uproar in May when she branded criticism of grooming gangs “dog whistle politics”.
In her farewell message, Ms Thornberry said: “I’m deeply grateful to all the Labour members who have shared their support.
“But I have decided to withdraw.”
The North London MP, infamous for sneering at an England flag, added: “It has been a privilege to take part in this race with such brilliant women.
“I will always be committed to this party and do everything I can to make it successful.”
This morning front-runner Ms Phillipson said: “I have written to the General Secretary of the Labour Party to accept nomination as a candidate for Deputy Leader.
“It’s time to unite our party and smash Reform.”
The winner will be unveiled on October 25 after a vote of Labour members.
