LONDON — Jess Phillips has pulled out of the race to succeed Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn after failing to secure the backing of any union or affiliate.
Under the rules of the contest, candidates need the support of 5 percent of local parties or at least three affiliates — two of which must be unions — by February 14 in order to make the final ballot.
Phillips, who represents Birmingham Yardley in the House of Commons and had managed to secure 23 nominations from MPs, had so far failed to meet that requirement.
In a message to supporters Tuesday, she said Labour needs to “select a candidate who can unite all parts of our movement, the union movement, members and elected representatives,” adding that she is not that person.
“I truly believe that unless we talk to the country on their terms, not just on ours, that we won’t be able to make the gains we need to win an election — and [to] do what everyone in the Labour movement wants to do, and that is make people’s lives better.”
Phillips is yet to reveal whom she would back in the leadership race. Four candidates — Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy and Emily Thornberry — are still canvassing support.