There is growing speculation that Jess Phillips is intending to quit the Labour party leadership race.
Earlier, the Birmingham Yardley MP told her supporters she’ll be sending a “message about her candidacy” later today. Phillip’s cryptic style of communication has fuelled speculation about her immediate intentions.
This unexpected turn of events comes in the wake of Phillips’ poor performance in the early rounds of the Labour leadership race.
Phillips’ performance in the first leadership hustings event – which was held in Liverpool last Saturday - was widely ridiculed and she herself admitted it was an “awful” show.
Furthermore, Phillips has come under growing criticism for not trying hard enough to attract the support of the Labour party’s core structures, notably the powerful trade unions.
Phillips is considered to be a “discontinuity” candidate in so far as she is opposed to the political philosophy and policy preferences of outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn.
In the event of Phillips dropping out, the Labour leadership race will be confined to four candidates, namely Rebecca Long-Bailey, Keir Starmer, Emily Thornberry and Lisa Nandy.
Out of the remaining four, only Lisa Nandy is considered to be an openly anti-Corbyn candidate.
According to opinion polls, the clear favourites are Corbyn ally, Rebecca Long-Bailey and centrist candidate, Keir Starmer.
The next leader of the Labour party is expected to be elected by early April.