A left-wing MP in Britain's Labour party announced today that he will challenge Chancellor Gordon Brown for the leadership of the party when Prime Minister Tony Blair quits.
John McDonnell, chairman of the Socialist Campaign Group, said that, following "increasing demands" from colleagues, he had decided to declare himself as a candidate.
John McDonnell
Mr Blair has already said he will not stand for a fourth term and many Labour MPs expect him to hand over the party leadership to Brown in the middle of next year after a decade in the job.
McDonnell, the MP for Hayes and Harlington, said he wanted to mount a serious challenge for the leadership.
"Some have argued that instead of an open democratic election for the leader of the party, there should be a smooth transition or virtual coronation of his successor," Mr McDonnell told reporters.
"This would deny party members the opportunity of openly debating the issues facing our party and the future direction of the country. An election for the leader of the party will allow for a democratic debate on the future of Labour."