Tristram Hunt backs Kendall in Labour leadership bid

Shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt has said he will not be standing for the Labour leadership and has given his backing to the Blairite favourite, Liz Kendall.

At a speech in London, the TV historian admitted he had been unable to secure the backing of the 35 Labour MPs needed to run.

I am offering my endorsement to my colleague, Liz Kendall

“It is also clear to me that in trying to gather the names I need, there is a real risk that I might help restrict the choice for the party,” he said.

“That is not a risk I am prepared to accept. Instead, I am offering my endorsement to my colleague, Liz Kendall.”

Mr Hunt said that from the soundings he had taken with the party, most Labour MPs appeared to have made up their mind who they would be supporting within days of the general election defeat.

“Like other potential candidates in recent days I have made a lot of calls to potential supporters among my parliamentary colleagues. I found that the bulk of MPs are already committed to just a couple of candidates,” he said.

“It is surprising that the nomination process to select a leader for at least the next five years appears to have been largely decided within at most five days of a devastating general election defeat.”