Former culture secretary says adopting his ‘big tent’ approach to politics is the only way Labour will win the next election

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Liz Kendall interview: ‘We have got to face up to the catastrophe’ Read more

Former culture secretary Ben Bradshaw has confirmed he is to stand for the deputy leadership of the Labour party.

The Exeter MP said his “big tent” approach to politics is the only way Labour will attract the voters it needs to win the next election.

Announcing his intention to run, he told his local party: “Labour did badly everywhere and in Wales and England outside London we went backwards against the Tories.

“Labour must and could win the next election, but only if it broadens its appeal by adopting sensible, centre-left politics which celebrate wealth creation and entrepreneurship as vital means of delivering social justice.

“I know I face an uphill task getting enough nominations from fellow MPs to get on the ballot paper. That would be hard for anyone from a part of Britain with so few Labour colleagues.

“But it’s exactly because I believe it is vital that we listen to and hear the voices of those members, candidates and defeated MPs from areas that are under-represented in parliament and where we must win again that I have decided to have a go.”

Labour must return to 'aspirational Blair years', say senior party figures Read more

Other contenders tipped to join the battle to replace Harriet Harman include Tom Watson, West Bromwich East MP since 2001, who has reportedly been crowdfunding for his bid, and Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy who has said she is “open to the question”.

The shadow leader of the Commons, Angela Eagle, Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk and Caroline Flint, the shadow energy secretary, have also been touted as potential candidates.