Who might the runners and riders be in race to become Labour's new deputy leader?

WITH Angela Rayner quitting as deputy leader of her party, as well as stepping down from the roles of deputy prime minister and housing secretary, speculation is rife on who will bid to succeed her.

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Labour's ruling National Executive Committee convened yesterday to set a timetable for the contest, which includes a Thursday deadline for hopefuls to secure nominations from 80 MPs.

The new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was seen as a strong contender for the role, but has since ruled herself out. Former transport secretary Louise Haigh, another name touted, is understood not to be planning to run.

Here are some of the potential runners and riders who are considered likely candidates for the role.

Emily Thornberry

Foreign Affairs Committee chairwoman Dame Emily Thornberry became the first high-profile figure to announce she was thinking about a bid for the role on Sunday.

The Islington South and Finsbury MP said she believed Labour could "climb out of the doldrums" after a difficult period but needed to put a "spring in its step".