Replacing Ed Miliband: Who are the potential contenders?

With Miliband announcing his resignation, here are the Labour runners and riders that could take the helm

The Labour leader is in for a tough time from Conservative-leaning press until polling day (Getty)

With Miliband having reportedly ruled out to remain as caretaker leader for a few months, the race is now on to replace the Labour party leader. Here are the potential options.

Yvette Cooper

Some Labour insiders believe David Cameron might struggle against a female Leader of the Opposition. (Getty) (Getty Images)

The shadow Home Secretary would win wide support across the party. She did not run in 2010 when her husband Ed Balls, the former shadow Chancellor who unexpectedly lost his seat on Thursday, stood against Mr Miliband.

At times, the 46-year-old mother of three has wavered about whether to stand for the leadership but allies believe she will run this time. Some Labour insiders believe David Cameron might struggle against a female Leader of the Opposition.

Chuka Umunna

Chuka Umunna is reportedly backed by Tony Blair (YouTube)

The 36-year-old shadow Business Secretary is one of Labour’s rising stars and is likely to win the support of many of the generation of MPs who entered the Commons with him at the 2010 election.

Before becoming an MP he was seen as on the left of the party but has since forged links with Blairities. However, some doubt his commitment to the New Labour cause.

Andy Burnham

Allies have been impressed with his campaign accusing the Conservatives of planning to privatise the NHS (Jon Super)

The 45-year-old shadow Health Secretary ran for the party leadership in 2010 but came fourth in a five-horse race.

Allies believe the former Health Secretary would attract more backers this time – including from trade unionists, who have been impressed with his campaign accusing the Conservatives of planning to privatise the NHS. Has travelled leftwards from New Labour.

Liz Kendall

Ed Miliband and shadow health minister Liz Kendall at Airedale Hospital maternity ward in Keighley (PA)

The 43-year-old former special adviser has impressed fellow Labour MPs since entering the Commons in 2010.  The shadow Minister for Care and Older People will come under pressure to run from Blairites who want to see a change of direction, saying that Ed Miliband’s attempt to move “beyond New Labour” meant vacating the political centre ground.

Dan Jarvis

The 42-year-old former Army officer who served in Iraq would be seen as a dark horse but could enter the race. Would offer Labour a new start as it tried to rebuild. The shadow Justice Minister has been on a fast track to promotion since becoming MP for Barnsley Central in a 2011 by-election.