Several senior female Labour MPs drop out of party deputy leader contention

Compressed timetable for nominations and worries about potentially toxic atmosphere narrows field to replace Rayner

A series of senior female Labour MPs have dropped out of contention to replace Angela Rayner as the party’s deputy leader, as a compressed timetable for nominations and worries about a potentially toxic atmosphere narrowed the field.

Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, is expected to enter the race, where she would be seen as a de facto Downing Street choice, potentially putting her against Emily Thornberry, who would position herself as a voice for backbenchers.