EXC: I can confirm there is to be a seventh entrant into the Labour leadership contest.
It’s Barry Gardiner.
Tune into #Newsnight at 2230 for more.
It’s Barry Gardiner.
Tune into #Newsnight at 2230 for more.
Gardiner is preparing a run after being approached (among others) by Len McCluskey, who has been speaking to a number of other potential candidates, as he isn’t convinced Rebecca Long Bailey can win.
Although some might find this surprising in some ways you could imagine how it might take off. A once marginalised, older man, been in parliament for ages, beloved by the grassroots, getting into a race which may otherwise be predictable. We've heard this story before...
.@REWearmouth and great huffpo team have the story too. Write up here: huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/barry-ga…
I’m told there is no love lost between Gardiner and Starmer. If BG makes it through to the next stage (very big if), the hustings would be interesting...
Update: Barry Gardiner confirms to me that that story from me and @REWearmouth was correct- he is considering running for leader. He will make his final decision in next 24 hours.
Gardiner denies, however, that Len McCluskey has encouraged him to run or has had any involvement.
As does Len McCluskey.
