British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn's name should automatically be on the ballot paper in its leadership contest, the party's national executive committee (NEC) ruled on Tuesday.
The decision boosts Corbyn’s chances of resisting an attempt to oust him, but could be subject to a legal challenge from opponents who say he should have to gather support from 51 politicians - something he may struggle to do.
"The NEC has agreed that as the incumbent leader Jeremy Corbyn will go forward onto the ballot without requiring nominations from the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) and the European Parliamentary Labour Party (EPLP)," a party spokesman said in a statement.
“All other leadership candidates will require nominations from 20 per cent of the PLP and EPLP.”
The NEC’s ruling came after former business secretary Angela Eagle launched a formal challenge to Mr Corbyn’s leadership on Monday.
Corbyn response
Mr Corbyn said he is “delighted” that he will automatically be included on the ballot and pledged to campaign “on all the things that matter”.
He said he hoped there would be no legal challenge to the decision.
Mr Corbyn has resisted efforts by Labour politicians to oust him, arguing that he has the strong support of the party’s membership.
Mr Corbyn’s opponents say the party cannot win an election under his leadership.
Reuters