Lisa Nandy has joined Sir Keir Starmer on the final ballot to be the next Labour leader after winning the support of Chinese for Labour.
The group’s endorsement saw Nandy win the required nominations from three unions and affiliate groups [representing five per cent of the Labour Party membership] to reach the final stage, having already been backed by GMB union and the National Union of Mineworkers.
Announcing Chinese for Labour’s endorsement, its chairwoman and Labour MP for Luton, Sarah Owen, said: "Only in power can Labour make the radical changes that are so desperately needed for our towns and communities.
"We believe that Lisa is the right candidate to take us there.”
Upon receiving the endorsement, Nandy said: “As someone of mixed heritage, I'm incredibly proud that it is Chinese for Labour who have secured my place on the ballot paper.
"They do incredibly important work to ensure we are a representative and inclusive party that can truly speak for modern Britain.”
Rebecca Long-Bailey and Emily Thornberry are the other two leadership candidates hoping to make it onto the final ballot, after Jess Phillips withdrew from the contest on Tuesday and subsequently pledged her support to Nandy.
Long-Bailey has gained the support of the BFAWU bakers’ union and is favourite to be named the preferred candidate of the Unite union later this week.
Meanwhile, Thornberry has not yet received an endorsement from any affiliate group.
Sir Keir Starmer’s supporters include unions Unison and Usdaw, and the environmental campaign group SERA.
The result of the contest and the next Labour leader will be announced on April 4.
