Labour leadership: Sir Keir Starmer makes it through to final round of contest to succeed Jeremy Corbyn
The shadow Brexit secretary secures the backing of a third trade union, meaning he will be in the final ballot of party members.
Monday 20 January 2020 19:10, UK
Sir Keir Starmer has become the first candidate to make it through to the final round of the Labour leadership race.
On Monday the shadow Brexit secretary secured the endorsement of the retail union Usdaw, meaning he will be on the ballot paper when party members choose Jeremy Corbyn's successor.
Having initially been required to secure the support of Labour MPs and MEPs, candidates are now battling to ensure they make it to the final round of the contest.
Leadership hopefuls can do this in one of two ways.
They can get the nominations of three Labour affiliates, including at least two trade unions.
Or they can secure endorsements from at least 5% of constituency Labour parties (CLPs).
Candidates have until 14 February to secure their place on the ballot.
Sir Keir, who is considered the frontrunner in the race, said he was "honoured" to get the backing of Usdaw.
It follows endorsements from Unison and the Socialist Environment and Resources Association.
"Our campaign is building unity across the labour movement, amongst trade unionists and members," he said.
"Usdaw represents over 400,000 workers and fights every day for its members and for a fairer society.
"If I'm elected leader, Labour will stand shoulder to shoulder with the trade union movement as we take on the Tories and rebuild trust with working people."
The other candidates in the race to succeed Mr Corbyn are shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey, shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry, Wigan MP Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley.
Ms Phillips told Sky News on Sunday that it would be "embarrassing" if Labour failed to elect its first female leader, urging men to "pass the mic" on the top job.
She warned it would "look bad" and also hand "ammunition" to political opponents, who were "laughing at us".
On Monday, Ms Phillips said Labour had to stop trying to appease "fear-mongering opportunist" who try to whip up opposition to immigration.
Writing for The Independent, she said her party had to challenge the "pernicious myth" that working class communities were hostile to immigration.
As well as announcing its backing for Sir Keir, Usdaw also endorsed shadow education secretary Angela Rayner for deputy leader.
The other contenders are Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray, shadow sport minister Rosena Allin-Khan, shadow equalities minister Dawn Butler and shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon.
Winners in the two contests will be announced in early April.
The deadline passed for people to join the party in order to cast a ballot at 5pm on Monday.