Alan Johnson, the education secretary, yesterday became the latest figure to
launch his campaign to become the deputy leader of the Labour party. Mr
Johnson has the declared backing of more than 60 MPs so is running neck and
neck with Harriet Harman, and ahead of Hazel Blears, the two women in the
contest.
Mr Johnson, whose campaign slogan will be ‘the people’s choice’ believes he
epitomises the social mobility the Labour party should be striving towards.
Once a former supermarket shelf stacker and postman Mr Johnson rose through
the union ranks to become leader of the Communications Workers Union.
“I am the right person at this time for this leader. I believe I've got the
skills, I believe I've got the experience and I believe I've got the
background,” he said.
Mr Johnson has won the backing from John Prescott, the present deputy
leader, and David Miliband, the environment secretary, as well as other
aspiring young ministers.
Three other candidates are expected to join the race to succeed Mr Prescott.
Peter Hain, the Northern Ireland secretary, expects to launch his campaign
on Monday.
Hilary Benn, the international development secretary, and Jon Cruddas, the
backbencher standing on a left-of-centre platform, have yet to garner the 45
nominations needed to reach the ballot paper.