LABOUR members look set for a choice between two Starmer supporters in the election for the party’s deputy leader.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell, commons leader until a week ago, were to be the only two candidates to meet the requirement to secure the support of at least 80 MPs in order to go forward.

The controversial rule changes introduced by Sir Keir Starmer early in his party leadership seem to have done their intended work by excluding socialist MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy from being considered by the membership.

Her task in securing enough backing from the largely compliant Parliamentary Labour Party was made only harder by the suspension of several supporters from the whip, denying them nominating rights.

One, welfare rebellion leader Rachel Maskell, said: “Had I had a nomination, I would be nominating Bell Ribeiro-Addy.

“The membership need real choice, and it would only be right that the PLP gave them that opportunity. She is a strong, principled woman. It is wrong that I have been denied a vote.”

Ms Powell, an uncomplaining member of Starmer’s Cabinet until her recent eviction, will now present as the “left” candidate against Ms Phillipson.

While there is scant basis for making a distinction between the two, it would doubtless be embarrassing for Sir Keir if a woman he had just sacked from government was immediately returned by the party membership as his deputy.

MPs Emily Thornberry and Paula Barker both withdrew from the race before the deadline, with Ms Barker urging the 14 MPs who backed her to switch to Ms Powell.