Laura Pidcock tipped as 'the new chosen one' to succeed Jeremy Corbyn

John Ashmore

Newly appointed shadow minister Laura Pidcock is reportedly being groomed as the heir apparent to Jeremy Corbyn.



A shadow Cabinet minister told the Sunday Times the North West Durham MP was "the chosen one" who could replace Mr Corbyn if the 68-year-old opts to stand down.

She sparked controversy last year when she said Conservatives were "the enemy" and she had "no intention of being friends" with any Tory MPs.

The 30-year-old got her first frontbench job on Friday when she was promoted to the newly created role of shadow minister for labour.

The unnamed senior figure said Ms Pidcock was now being touted as a replacement for Mr Corbyn ahead of Shadow Business Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey.

“Jeremy’s people have gone off Rebecca Long-Bailey. That’s why they’re promoting Pidcock," they said.

"She’s the new chosen one. She’s getting a lot of support from the leader’s office and they’re promoting her on social media.”

Reports last summer suggested shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry could also be in the mix to lead the party, a move which trade union sources said would have the support of Unite boss Len McCluskey.