Former energy secretary Ed Miliband today became the first Labour leadership candidate to receive the required 33 nominations to get his name on the ballot paper.
Ed Miliband has the support of five shadow cabinet ministers; Hilary Benn, John Denham, Peter Hain, Sadiq Khan and Rosie Winterton.
Shadow foreign secretary David Miliband later joined his younger brother as the only two candidates so far to reach the threshold to take part in the contest to lead the Labour Party.
Ed Miliband remains in the lead with 39 nominations from Labour MPs, against David's 36, according to figures publishes by the party on the first day of official nominations.
Shadow children's secretary Ed Balls has seven nominations and shadow health secretary Andy Burnham three.
Neither Diane Abbott nor John McDonnell, both leftwing backbenchers, have any backers so far.
If the Miliband brothers secure more than half of the parliamentary party between them, the other four candidates, will struggle to reach the required number of nominations each.
The six candidates have until 9 June to secure enough nominations to enter the ballot.
Official nominations each candidate has received from MPs will be published on the Labour Party website daily at 12.30pm and 5.30pm.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.