Angela Eagle drops out of Labour leadership race

Angela Eagle has withdrawn from the contest to be the next leader of Labour in Britain in order to back Owen Smith as a “unity candidate” to challenge Jeremy Corbyn.

The Wallasey MP was the first to mount a public challenge to the Labour leader, but decided to withdraw after it became apparent that Mr Smith had secured more nominations from party MPs and MEPs.

Former shadow work and pensions secretary Mr Smith will now go forward to fight Mr Corbyn in a ballot of party members and supporters which ends on September 24.

Speaking at Westminster, Ms Eagle said she would be backing Mr Smith in the contest, adding: “We are in lock-step together, arguing for a united Labour Party.”

More to follow....