Ed Miliband confirms leadership bid

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15th May 2010

Former climate change secretary Ed Miliband has launched his bid for the leadership of the Labour party.

He told a rally in London today that he wants a "fraternal" contest that will provide "the first step on the road back to power".

"I have talked to my family and friends and I have decided to stand to be leader of the Labour party," he told the Fabian Society event.

"My message to the British people is: we will learn from our mistakes, we will be part of your values again, we will be part of your community again and we will work with you to build the kind of country we want to see.

"And my message to our party is this: we have to use this leadership campaign as a first step on the road back to power because that is where we should be as a political party."

His elder brother David, former foreign secretary, announced his intention to stand for the leadership earlier this week.

Former schools secretary Ed Balls, is expected to throw his hat into the ring, along with leftwing MP Jon Cruddas and former health secretary Andy Burnham.

Former work and pensions secretary Yvette Cooper has reportedly declined to stand due to family commitments - she is married to Ed Balls.

Concern has already been expressed that no female candidates may contest the leadership - acting leader Harriet Harman has ruled herself out of contention.

Labour is expected to run a long leadership contest, with the result expected to be announced at the party conference in September.

The NEC will decide in the next few weeks on a timetable for the election.

A candidate must be each nominated by 12.5 per cent of the Commons members of the Parliamentary Labour Party - 33 MPs.

An electoral college split three ways between the 258 Labour MPs and the party's MEPs, all party members and members of affiliated trade unions who have not opted out of paying a political levy, votes for the leader.

If any candidate receives a majority of votes, they win.

If not, the last place contender drops out and their second preferences reallocated until someone passes the 50 per cent figure.

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