DEVELOPING: Labour's Deputy Leader Contest Heats Up as Bridget Phillipson Throws Her Hat into the Ring

Breaking News: Bridget Phillipson Enters Labour Deputy Leader Contest Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has thrown her hat into the ring to become Labour's deputy leader, joining MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy as a declared candidate. This move comes just hours before the nomination deadline for candidates. Phillipson's entry marks a significant development in the contest, which is set to replace Angela Rayner in the role. The Education Secretary has been a key figure in Labour's leadership and her decision to run will likely have a major impact on the party's direction. In the background, Labour has faced criticism over its tight three-day nomination window for MP candidates. This has sparked concerns among some party members who feel it may limit the pool of potential candidates. The contest is set to culminate in a vote by party members on October 25th, with the winner announced shortly after. Candidates must secure nominations from at least 80 Labour MPs and gain backing from either five local parties or three Labour-affiliated groups, including two unions. This is a developing story, with further updates expected as more candidates emerge and the nomination deadline approaches. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*