LABOUR deputy leadership contender Angela Eagle has dismissed suggestions the party has a diversity problem after the only non-white candidate failed to get on the ballot paper. 

Rushanara Ali pulled out of the contest minutes before nominations closed yesterday to ensure Ms Eagle and two more MPs could remain in the race. 

None of the five MPs still in the running to be deputy leader or the four MPs in the leader race are from a black or ethnic minority background. That sparked criticism from members and the media, who said the party was not living up to its own standards on diversity.