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Harman: New leader must appeal to public rather than party loyalists

The next Labour leader must be able to appeal to the general public rather than just party loyalists, Harriet Harman said as she criticised the process that led to Ed Miliband's election.

In a speech setting out how Labour would move on from an election defeat that remained "very raw", Ms Harman stressed that the influence of the unions over the decision on leadership had been altered by the move to a "one person, one vote" electoral system.

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Chuka Umunna withdraws from Labour leadership race

Shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna has announced his withdrawal from the Labour leadership race, saying he was not prepared for the level of "scrutiny and attention" it would attract.

Sources close to the Streatham MP insisted his withdrawal was not due to any negative story which he feared might appear in the media.

Chuka Umunna will not stand for Labour leader Credit: PA

In a statement, he said:

I... thought I understood the scrutiny and attention a leadership contest would bring.

However since the night of our defeat last week I have been subject to the added level of pressure that comes with being a leadership candidate.

I have not found it to be a comfortable experience.

One can imagine what running for leader can be like, understand its demands and the attention but nothing compares to actually doing it and the impact on the rest of one's life.

Consequently after further reflection I am withdrawing my candidacy.

I apologise to all those who have kindly supported and encouraged me to do this and for disappointing them. I know this will come as I surprise to many but I had always wondered whether it was all too soon for me to launch this leadership bid - I fear it was.

Most importantly, I continued to have very real concerns and worry about this bid's impact on those close to me.

– Chuka Umunna

He apologised to everyone who had supported him to date, and vowed to continue his work as MP for Streatham, as well as playing a role in the Shadow Cabinet.

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Harman: New leader must appeal to public rather than party loyalists

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