Shadow equalities minister Dawn Butler confirms plan to run for Labour deputy leadership

Dawn Butler has confirmed that she is planning to run to be Labour's deputy leader.



The shadow equalitiies minister, a close ally of Jeremy Corbyn, confirmed the move by posting the hashtag #DawnforDeputy on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Ian Murray, Labour's only remaining Scottish MP, has also revealed that he could stand for the post vacated by Tom Watson before the general election.

Ms Butler had previously announced her intention to run for the role during the election campaign, a move which was frowned upon by many in the party.

She said: "I've thought very carefully about who should replace Tom and after giving it some thought I will be throwing my hat in the ring."

The Brent Central MP added she had a "track record of being very supportive to our leader Jeremy Corbyn".

Edinburgh South MP Mr Murray said he was "exploring possibilities" about running for the deputy post in an email sent to Labour MPs.

He said he wanted to provide a "strong Scottish anchor" in the debate over Labour's future after the party was almost wiped out north of the Border.

And he said he was considering the bid in order to help the party "grasp the nettle of major constitutional reform" in the wake of fresh calls for Scotland to hold a second independence referendum.

He wrote: “The Labour Party has ducked this issue for too long. English Nationalism from the Tories and Scottish Nationalism from the SNP are squeezing the Labour Party and we must stop it. "

Mr Murray, who has been a vocal critic of Jeremy Corbyn's leadership of the party, added: “The starting point must be that the Labour Party can only ever win again when it speaks to the whole of the country and Scotland plays a key part in that.

"The values of the Labour Party are still the values close to the hearts of the majority of the electorate. We must show that we share their values, hopes, and aspirations for the future."

Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner and Shadow Justice Secretary Richard Burgon are also expected to enter the race for the deputy leader role.