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WATCH: West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson launches video for Labour deputy leadership contest

Black Country MP Tom Watson has cleared the first hurdle in his bid to be deputy leader of Labour.

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The MP for West Bromwich East secured more than enough support from fellow MPs to get on to the ballot paper.

The minimum was 35.

In a campaign video Mr Watson has enlisted the support of his 71-year-old mother Linda.

He says: "I've been campaigning for Labour since I was a kid.

"We stand up for those who don't have a voice. I learnt that from my mother as a child."

He is joined by former minister Caroline Flint.

MPs Ben Bradshaw, Stella Creasey and Angela Eagle also made it through.

Bethnal Green and Bow MP Rushanara Ali dropped out with just minutes to yesterday's deadline.

Mr Watson had 59 MPs backing him, including fellow Black Country colleagues David Winnick (Walsall North), Ian Austin (Dudley North), John Spellar (Warley), Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) and Rob Marris (Wolverhampton South West).

The candidates for the leadership of the party, to replace Ed Miliband, were revealed earlier this week.

Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham, shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper, shadow health minister Liz Kendall and veteran left-winger Jeremy Corbyn are competing for the job.

The eventual winner - selected by a one member, one vote system which replaced an electoral college that gave extra weight to politician and trade union choices - will be announced at a special conference on September 12.

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