Who is standing to replace Angela Rayner as deputy Labour leader?

The race to replace Angela Rayner as deputy Labour leader is ramping up after two candidates made it into the next round.

The former deputy prime minister resigned on 5 September from government and from her party post after she was found to have breached the ministerial code for not paying enough stamp duty on a second home she purchased in Hove, East Sussex, earlier this year.

Politics latest: Two big Labour names enter the race

Six candidates launched bids to replace her, but three dropped out and one was knocked out after failing to secure 80 nominations from fellow MPs by 5pm on 11 September.

Who is left in the race?

A Starmer loyalist and cabinet member, who managed to maintain her position during the reshuffle, Ms Phillipson announced her intention to stand shortly after nominations opened.

She described herself as "a proud working-class woman from the north east" who had gone from "a single parent family on a tough council street" to the cabinet table.

The education secretary has won support from across the Labour Party for removing tax relief on private schools, expanding free school meals and funded childcare.

She added: "Make no mistake: we are in a fight. We all know the dangers Reform poses to our country.

"But not only am I ready for it: I've proven we can do it. I've shown we can beat Farage in the north east, while staying true to the Labour Party's values of equality, fairness and social justice."

As a cabinet minister, those on the left may be suspicious of her closeness to Sir Keir, but she will be seen by backbench MPs as Downing Street's de facto candidate.

Her roots as a working-class northerner will tick the boxes for many MPs.

The former leader of the Commons, who was sacked by Sir Keir Starmer during his major cabinet reshuffle, said she had received "much encouragement" to stand.

Announcing her intention to stand, Ms Powell said living in Manchester "has rooted my politics in an understanding of people's everyday hopes and fears".

She also promised to "bring together all parts of the party" and "unite our team".

In 2010, Ms Powell managed Ed Miliband's successful leadership campaign.

The Manchester Central MP acknowledged the "huge challenges" the Labour Party faces - and promised to help face them with "bold policies, rooted in progressive Labour values."