Labour leadership challenger Owen Smith has said he will withdraw from the contest if Angela Eagle - who has also launched a bid to replace Jeremy Corbyn - secures more support from colleagues.
Mr Smith told ITV News: "I don't think that the person who doesn't command majority support in the PLP (Parliamentary Labour Party) can credibly say they are the unity candidate."
He added: "And I think the most important thing is uniting the Labour Party, we're in danger of splitting...that's why I'm standing in this contest."
The shadow chancellor earned loud cheers as he launched an foul-mouthed attack on the MPs seeking to replace his friend Corbyn.
The MP for Pontypridd resigned as shadow work and pensions secretary last month in protest at Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.
I now realise that my earlier description of the NEC meeting - as an omni-shambles - was generous.