Supporters
LATEST UPDATE: The Guardian has published a letter from 52 Labour peers, all pledging their support for Alan Johnson for Deputy:
"We are a group of 52 peers from all sections of the Labour party and walks of life. The forthcoming elections for the leader and deputy leader of the party provide a historic opportunity to renew ourselves in government and put in place the team that can win a fourth term and defeat a resurgent Conservative party. It is imperative, therefore, that the party chooses the right deputy to help us win that fourth term. We believe Alan Johnson is that person. Alan is the ideal complement to Gordon Brown. He has significant cabinet-level experience and has proved himself in parliament. From a genuine working-class background, Alan has broad electoral appeal and a strong vision for the future of the party."
See the full list of names here.
James Purnell, the Pensions Minister and former Downing Street Adviser said:
"Alan Johnson has emerged as one of the major players of this Labour Government. His commitment to equality, improving social mobility and reforming public services combined with his extensive experience inside and outside Westminster make him the best person for the deputy job."
Malcolm Wicks, the Science Minister who has worked with Alan at the Department for Work and Pension and the Department for Trade and Industry said:
"Having worked to Alan in two departments when he was Secretary of State, I know he is one of the finest people in Government. He is hardworking, committed and a real team player, that’s why he is such a great candidate to be the next deputy leader of the Party."
Ivan Lewis, the Health Minister and former Economic Secretary to the Treasury said:
"Alan Johnson has never lost touch with the aspirations and struggles of ordinary hard working people who want to get on. His personal story is a graphic illustration of Labour's enduring belief that individual progress should be about talent not social background. Alan has the integrity, intellect and communications skills to help lead the renewal of our party which is essential if we are to secure an historic fourth term."
Phil Hope, Education Minister and former PPS to John Prescott said:
"Alan has held some of the most difficult briefs in Government as both a Minister and Secretary of State. He has the experience and skill to handle the difficult job of Deputy Leader combined with a passionate commitment to the concerns of ordinary Labour Party members. I believe he will help us win a fourth term."
Tom Harris, the railways Minister at the Department for Transport:
"Alan will be the perfect compliment to Gordon Brown and can help the Labour Party win a fourth election. Like many ordinary members he was raised by the Trade Union movement and understands its values and importance within the Labour Party. It's this grounding, combined with his experience in Government that make him the right choice for Deputy Leader."
Laura Moffatt MP for Crawley, who is supporting Johnson for Deputy, said “I believe Alan is crucial to Labour retaining key marginals. He has the communication skills we need to get our message across to the voters.”
Supporting Johnson for Deputy Sadiq Khan MP for Tooting said “A Gordon Brown, Alan Johnson leadership team will be formidable. Alan is a team player who appeals to all sections of the electorate”.
Selby MP John Grogan said: “Alan is widely liked within the Parliamentary Labour Party and always impresses grass roots members.”
Baroness Prosser (former Deputy General Secretary of the TGWU), another Johnson for Deputy supporter said “Alan is from the Trade Union movement so understands the concerns of ordinary hard working people.”
Supporting Johnson for Deputy Michael Cashman MEP said “Alan has significant experience in Europe and beyond. He has consistently stood up for British interests as a Cabinet Minister running three different departments of state.”
Johnson for Deputy supporter Gerry Sutcliffe MP said: “I believe that by electing Alan Johnson we can turn what will be a difficult and challenging time for the party into an opportunity to show to the electorate that we remain a vital force, properly renewed and fit for a fourth term of office.”