Labour members begin voting for Jeremy Corbyn’s successor

(left to right) Labour leadership candidates Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy and Sir Keir Starmer Credit: Jane Barlow/PA

Labour members are to start voting for Jeremy Corbyn’s successor who will be tasked with recovering the party from its catastrophic general election defeat.

The ballots begin opening on Monday amid a largely cordial campaign between Sir Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy.

All three on Sunday said they would offer the losing leadership candidates jobs in their shadow cabinet.

Members and party supporters who have signed up for a fee will begin receiving their ballots on Monday, with batches being sent out by email and post throughout the week.

They will also select a new deputy leader between candidates Angela Rayner, Dawn Butler, Ian Murray, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan and Richard Burgon.

Sir Keir, the shadow Brexit secretary seen as a clear frontrunner, said in a Durham hustings that he would offer senior roles to both of his opponents if he won.

“I would happily offer both these candidates a top job in the shadow cabinet and I’d happily serve them if they wanted me to do the same,” he said.

Rebecca Long-Bailey, the shadow business secretary who has struggled in the polls since being seen as an early favourite, said she would accept a job in either of their shadow cabinets and offer them both roles.

Rebecca Long-Bailey has said she would accept a job in the shadow cabinet if she were to miss out on the top job (Aaron Chown/PA) Credit: Aaron Chown

“I would, I think they’re both brilliant,” the shadow business secretary said. “And I would do whatever I was asked and whatever it takes to make sure, if I didn’t become leader, to make sure we were elected as the next Labour government.”

Wigan MP Ms Nandy also praised her opponents in confirming she would give them key roles.

“I like both of these people, I respect them. I would want them in my shadow cabinet doing big jobs,” she said. “But I would equally be happy to serve alongside them in whatever role they chose to give me.”

The candidates have nearly six weeks to secure voters’ support before the ballot closes but many were expected to make their voices heard at the first opportunity.

The winners are set to be named on April 4 before taking up the roles immediately.