Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The battle for jobs in Ed Miliband's top team was joined in earnest tonight with 49 Labour MPs putting themselves forward.
Those seeking election to the shadow cabinet range from household names such as Alan Johnson and Ed Balls to relatively obscure backbenchers.
Details released by Labour also disclosed that Rosie Winterton was the only candidate for party chief whip after Mr Miliband exerted his new authority by suggesting other contenders withdraw.
The departure of some of Labour's biggest beasts - including David Miliband, Lord Mandelson, Alistair Darling and Jack Straw - has left opportunities for fresh faces.
But with just 19 spaces available, the majority of applicants will end up disappointed.
Under Labour rules, its MPs vote to decide who should be in the shadow cabinet when the party is in opposition. A minimum quota of six women has been imposed as part of efforts to promote equality.
However, the leader can still choose which specific jobs individuals receive.
Close allies of Ed Miliband are expected to be the biggest winners in the process, with his leadership campaign manager and former transport minister Sadiq Khan tipped for a bigger role.
Former ministers Caroline Flint and sisters Angela and Maria Eagle are among the women nominated - while left-winger Diane Abbott is a wild-card entrant after her leadership bid.
As the elected deputy leader, Harriet Harman does not need any further endorsement from her colleagues, but there are suggestions she could be rewarded with a major brief such as health after a solid stint covering in the top job.
In that case Andy Burnham, who handled health in government, could be shifted sideways to home affairs or justice as part of the shake-up.
The trickiest appointment is likely to be the key position of shadow chancellor - which many believe had been earmarked for David Miliband.
His absence may leave the way clear for fellow defeated leadership candidate Mr Balls, who made a thinly-veiled pitch for the job in his speech to conference today.
But there is also the fascinating prospect of further intra-family competition, as Mr Balls' wife, Yvette Cooper, could also be in the running for the Treasury brief.
Meanwhile, there are predictions that Mr Miliband will attempt to ease tensions and disprove his "Red Ed" nickname by elevating some of his brother's Blairite backers.
Jim Murphy, the former Scottish secretary who ran David's campaign, could be in line for a promotion, while Mr Johnson remains one of the party's most popular figures.
Voting takes place between October 4 and 7, with the results being announced that night at 9pm.
Mr Miliband will then hammer out the details of his team before Parliament returns on October 11.
The leader demonstrated his new-found power today when he ensured his preferred candidate was installed as shadow chief whip.
Doncaster Central MP Ms Winterton put herself forward for the role at Mr Miliband's request, while Nick Brown was persuaded not to seek re-election, and Jim Fitzpatrick also agreed to stand aside.
The overwhelming majority of the shadow cabinet candidates have served on the Labour front benches before. However, some - such as Roberta Blackman-Woods and Mary Creagh - have no previous ministerial experience.
Here is the full list of the 49 MPs nominated for election to the shadow cabinet:
Diane Abbott
Douglas Alexander
Ed Balls
Hilary Benn
Roberta Blackman-Woods
Ben Bradshaw
Kevin Brennan
Chris Bryant
Andy Burnham
Liam Byrne
Vernon Coaker
Yvette Cooper
Mary Creagh
Wayne David
John Denham
Angela Eagle
Maria Eagle
Rob Flello
Caroline Flint
Mike Gapes
Barry Gardiner
Helen Goodman
Peter Hain
David Hanson
Tom Harris
John Healey
Meg Hillier
Huw Irranca-Davies
Alan Johnson
Kevan Jones
Tessa Jowell
Eric Joyce
Barbara Keeley
Sadiq Khan
David Lammy
Chris Leslie
Ivan Lewis
Ian Lucas
Fiona Mactaggart
Pat McFadden
Ann McKechin
Alun Michael
Jim Murphy
Gareth Thomas
Emily Thornberry
Stephen Timms
Stephen Twigg
Shaun Woodward
Iain Wright
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments