Lucy Powell and Bridget Phillipson will likely go head-to-head to become the next deputy leader of Labour.

The former House of Commons Leader and the current Education Secretary were the last two candidates left in the race to replace Angela Rayner after the voting deadline closed at 5pm today.

Candidates needed to secure support from at least 80 of their fellow MPs to progress to the next round, where the votership is broadened out to local Labour parties and trade unions.

Six women declared their intention to run for the deputy leadership earlier this week, but just three remained ahead of the deadline this afternoon.

Alison McGovern dropped out yesterday, while Emily Thornberry and Paula Barker said they were leaving the race earlier today.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy confirmed in a since-de

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