Labour’s left will seek to put welfare reforms and Gaza at the heart of the deputy leadership race, providing another headache for Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves as they seek to plug a budget gap of up to £40bn in November .

Six MPs – all women – have now declared their intention to run for the deputy leadership following Angela Rayner’s resignation , three of whom will or are likely to campaign on the issue of welfare reform.

Emily Thornberry, the former shadow attorney general who was passed over for a Cabinet post when Starmer took office said announcing her intention to run: “We fought hard for a Labour government. But we’ve made mistakes and must listen. Welfare. Gaza. Wealth tax. Changes to come on SEND. I will be a voice for the membership, unions, PLP, and our co

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