Alan Johnson 'rules himself out of Labour leadership'

Labour's Alan Johnson has ruled himself out of the leadership and said he backs Ed Miliband, according to The Times.

The former home secretary is said to be favoured by many of his peers as the natural leader to take over due to his popularity with voters and unions.

But he said: "For the avoidance of any doubt, I have no intention of going back to frontline politics. I support Ed Miliband."

With calls for Miliband to step down as leader, rumours are swirling about who could be a contender to lead the party in the event.

Former health secretary Andy Burnham and shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper have been named.

While shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna would become Labour's first black leader if he was elected.