South Tyneside MPs reveal who they want to be the new Labour Party leader

Emma Lewell-Buck, who retained her South Shields seat in December’s General Election, and Kate Osborne, newly elected in neighbouring Jarrow last month, disagree over who they feel should succeed outgoing Jeremy Corbyn.

Mr Corbyn is expected to be replaced by the beginning of April following Labour’s defeat by the Conservatives before Christmas.

Candidates need 22 nominations from the party’s 212 MPS and MEPs by the start of next week to qualify for the second round of voting.

Figures released by Labour on Wednesday show that shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer has 23 nominations so far with likely main rival Rebecca Long-Bailey in second on seven.

Jess Phillips has six, Wigan MP Lisa Nandy has two supporters and Emily Thornberry has just one so far.

The sixth candidate, Clive Lewis, has yet to be nominated.

Mrs Lewell-Buck has plumped for Ms Nandy.

Discussing her choice, she said on Twiter: “Our route back to power lies with someone who is not only smart, thoughtful and credible, but also someone who has consistently proven how incisive and relatable they are. That’s our Lisa.”

Mrs Lewell-Buck has also backed Angela Rayner to be the party’s number two in succession to Tom Watson.

She also wrote on Twitter: “Proud to throw my 100% support behind our Angela Rayner.

“She’s smart, articulate, dedicated and full of passion for change.

“One of the only people so far to give me real hope for our party’s future electability.”

Ms Osborne, who succeeded party colleague Stephen Hepburn in Jarrow in December, said on Twitter that she is “delighted” to support Mrs Long-Bailey in her leadership campaign.

She added: “Rebecca is a true socialist and has the policies, experience and knowledge which will unite Labour’s heartlands across the country.”

Candidates surviving the first phase will then have to secure the backing of 5% of constituency Labour branches or at least three affiliate groups, two of which must be made up of trade unions, to get onto the final ballot paper and face election by the overall membership.