DEVELOPING: Labour Leadership Contest Heats Up as Phillipson and Thornberry Enter Deputy Leader Race

BREAKING NEWS: Labour Leadership Contest Heats Up as Phillipson and Thornberry Enter Deputy Leader Race Labour's deputy leader contest has intensified with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and senior backbencher Dame Emily Thornberry announcing their candidacy. Lucy Powell, who was sacked from her government job last week, also entered the race. Phillipson and Thornberry join Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, in the contest to replace Angela Rayner. Paula Barker, Liverpool Wavertree MP, is "definitely considering" a run. Candidates must secure nominations from at least 80 Labour MPs by Thursday evening to participate in the vote. They will also need backing from local parties or affiliated groups, including unions. The party plans hustings and a member vote, with the winner announced on October 25th. This is a developing story as more candidates are expected to enter the contest. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*