Labour deputy contenders woo MPs

Candidates must get the signatures of 45 MPs to join the contest

The six contenders to be Labour deputy leader are seeking MPs' support ahead of next week's nominations deadline.

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain and Justice Minister Harriet Harman have published lists of more than the 45 backers needed to enter a nationwide ballot.

Chairman Hazel Blears has 45 backers. Education Secretary Alan Johnson is also thought to have enough backers.

International Development Secretary Hilary Benn has yet to declare. Jon Cruddas is "confident" of numbers.

'Renew'

The post of deputy leader will become vacant when John Prescott stands down about the same time as Prime Minister Tony Blair goes on 27 June.

Labour's ruling National Executive Committee meets on Sunday to set the deadline for nominations, which is expected to be next Thursday.

Mr Hain said he had the backing of 48 MPs, while Ms Harman said more than 45 had declared their support for her.

Ms Harman said Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt and Europe Minister Geoff Hoon were among her supporters.

Ms Blears has published a list of 45 backers, while Mr Johnson is expected to give details at his campaign's official launch on Tuesday.

Support for Mr Benn includes the Justice Secretary Lord Falconer and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Timms.

Home Secretary John Reid and with Pensions Secretary John Hutton are backing Ms Blears.

Mr Cruddas told the BBC he was confident he would have enough support to enter the contest, adding that his campaign was backed by the UK's biggest union, Unite.

Labour Party members, trade unions and Labour MPs, peers and European Parliament members each have a third of the vote.