URGENT: Emily Thornberry Abruptly Drops Out of Labour Deputy Leader Bid

BREAKING NEWS: Emily Thornberry Drops Out of Labour Deputy Leader Bid Labour MP Emily Thornberry has abruptly withdrawn from the deputy leader contest, citing her gratitude to party members for their support. Thornberry's decision leaves four candidates remaining in the race to replace Angela Rayner. The current frontrunner is Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who has secured 116 nominations from Labour MPs. The withdrawal comes as nomination deadlines approach, with candidates needing 80 signatures to progress by Thursday at 5pm. Thornberry had gathered just 13 nominations before pulling out. Thornberry chairs the Commons foreign affairs committee and was seen as a contender for the deputy leadership role. Her decision has sparked speculation about her future in the party. The Labour deputy leader contest is ongoing, with candidates vying for support from party members ahead of the summer conference. The winner will replace Angela Rayner, who stepped down earlier this year. This is a developing story and we will provide updates as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*