New Labour Leader To Be Named In September

Labour's leadership election period will begin on Friday with the winner announced on 12 September, the party has said.

Whoever gets the job will have the task of reinventing the party in the wake of its worst General Election performance in a generation .

Acting leader Harriet Harman admitted the result was a "serious defeat", adding: "Over the coming weeks we need an open and honest debate on the right way forward.

"Our challenge now is to use this time to listen and learn, to elect a new leader and deputy leader who will rebuild the Labour Party in order to take the fight to this Tory Government and to stand up for Britain."

She said the contest would take place under the new "one person, one vote" rules adopted by the party last year.

"We want as many people as possible to take part," she continued.

"More than 30,000 new members have joined the party in the last few days and I hope many more members and supporters will take this opportunity to have their voice heard."

Nominations for leader close on 15 June, for deputy leader two days later and members and supporters who sign up by 12 August will be entitled to vote.

Ballot papers will be sent out by post on August 14 and polling will close at noon on September 12.

Anyone seeking to stand in the leadership election will need the support of 15% of Labour MPs.

Shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna has emerged as an early front runner and shadow care minister Liz Kendall has also said she will stand.

The selection of a Labour candidate for London mayor is expected to follow the same timetable as for the party leader, with the result also announced on 12 September.

The Trades Union Congress opens the following day, and the timing will allow the new leader to address the Labour Party conference at the end of the month.