Nomination for leadership

Statement from Meg on the Labour Party leadership nomination:

"I have been in discussion with Diane Abbott for a long time about her nomination and as her neighbouring MP and friend have nominated her today for the leadership of the Labour Party.

Diane knows that I will not be supporting her in the final ballot for leader but I think she has a useful contribution to make to the debate about the future direction of the Labour Party.

I waited to make my decision until after the PLP hustings on Monday night. That confirmed for me the importance of having an alternative voice in the race and particularly for me as a London member the voice of somebody who understands the issues for my constituency but it also underlined for me that David Miliband is the person to lead the labour party and become the next Labour Prime Minister."