15/05/2015
Chuka Umunna Withdraws As Labour Leader Candidate
Shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna has withdrawn from the race to become the next Leader of the Labour Party.
Mr Umunna said he is not comfortable with the "added level of pressure that comes with being a leadership candidate".
In a statement he said: "As a member of the Shadow Cabinet, I am used to a level of attention which is part and parcel of the job. I witnessed the 2010 leadership election process close up and thought I would be comfortable with what it involved.
"However since the night of our defeat last week I have been subject to the added level of pressure that comes with being a leadership candidate. I have not found it to be a comfortable experience.
"One can imagine what running for leader can be like, understand its demands and the attention but nothing compares to actually doing it and the impact on the rest of one's life.
"Consequently after further reflection I am withdrawing my candidacy."
(CD/JP)
Mr Umunna said he is not comfortable with the "added level of pressure that comes with being a leadership candidate".
In a statement he said: "As a member of the Shadow Cabinet, I am used to a level of attention which is part and parcel of the job. I witnessed the 2010 leadership election process close up and thought I would be comfortable with what it involved.
"However since the night of our defeat last week I have been subject to the added level of pressure that comes with being a leadership candidate. I have not found it to be a comfortable experience.
"One can imagine what running for leader can be like, understand its demands and the attention but nothing compares to actually doing it and the impact on the rest of one's life.
"Consequently after further reflection I am withdrawing my candidacy."
(CD/JP)
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