London mayor Sadiq Khan backs Sir Keir Starmer for Labour leadership
The London mayor says the shadow Brexit secretary is the "best person to unite our party" and "put Labour in government".
Wednesday 26 February 2020 14:44, UK
London mayor Sadiq Khan has revealed he is backing Sir Keir Starmer to be Labour's next leader.
Mr Khan said the shadow Brexit secretary, who is the favourite to succeed Jeremy Corbyn, is the "best person to unite our party" and "put Labour in government".
The London mayor, who was MP for Tooting before winning the race for City Hall in 2016, announced his decision on Twitter.
He wrote: "I will be voting for @Keir_Starmer to be the next Labour leader. I've known Keir for decades.
"He's the best person to unite our party, take the fight to the Tories and put Labour in government. #AnotherFutureIsPossible."
Sir Keir said he was "honoured" to get Mr Khan's support.
"Sadiq is demonstrating that Labour in power can change lives," he said.
"I look forward to campaigning alongside him to keep London Labour."
Sir Keir is vying for the Labour leadership alongside shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy.
The trio will take part in a Sky News debate on Thursday from 8pm.
Members and party supporters have begun voting in the contest, with the winner being announced at the start of April.
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A new deputy leader is also in the process of being chosen.
Angela Rayner, Dawn Butler, Ian Murray, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan and Richard Burgon are all competing for the job.