Streatham MP Chuka Umunna throws hat into ring to become next Labour leader

Streatham MP Chuka Umunna has announced his intention to become the next Labour leader.

In a video posted to his Facebook page today the shadow business secretary threw his hat into the ring – the second candidate to formally declare in the race.

He posted a video while visiting activists in Swindon and explained that the party needed to address not only what happened in Scotland but also England.

He said: “I am pleased to be announcing that I will be standing for the leadership of the party.

“I think we can and we should be winning in seats like in Swindon – north, south, east, west. We can absolutely do it as a party.

“We have got to do better in Scotland next time but our defeat in Scotland was compounded by what happened here in England.

“I think the Labour Party can do it in five years I want to lead that effort as part of a really big Labour team getting Labour back into office changing this country and building a fairer more equal society.”

Mr Umunna’s announcement comes just two days after the architect of New Labour Peter Mandelson ordained him to become the next party leader.

Picture courtesy of Green Alliance1, with thanks