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Angela Eagle unveils the first backers for her campaign to be deputy leader of the Labour Party

The Wallasey MP has signed up ten colleagues so far.

By Caroline Crampton

Angela Eagle has announced the first endorsements for her deputy leadership campaign.

When I spoke to the Wallasey MP this afternoon, she described herself as a “unity candidate” – something which is reflected in the first ten MPs to back her, who come from different parts of the party and represent constituencies all over the UK. The names are:

Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley)

Bill Esterson (Sefton Central)

Nia Griffith (Llanelli)

Mike Gapes (Ilford South)

Sharon Hodgson (Washington and Sunderland West)

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Liz McInnes (Heywood and Middleton)

Stephen Pound (Ealing North)

Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood)

Marie Rimmer (St Helens South & Whiston)

Tulip Siddiq (Hampstead  and Kilburn)

And of course, Angela’s twin sister Maria is on the list. This is one pair of siblings who aren’t going to let a leadership contest ruin their relationship.

A full write-up of my conversation with Angela Eagle will be on The Staggers later this week.

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