Barry Gardiner has ruled himself out of a potential bid to succeed Jeremy Corbyn because he does not believe he would not get enough nominations to pass the first round.
The shadow international trade secretary had been weighing up a run but realised he could not be able to get 22 MPs or MEPs to support his move.
“I want to thank all my colleagues as well as the party activists and members of the public who encouraged me to stand for the Labour leadership," he said in a statement.
“I am now clear that at this late stage I cannot secure sufficient nominations to proceed to the next round. I have therefore decided not to stand for the leadership at this time.
“I will continue to serve the party loyally under whichever of my colleagues has the honour of leading our party forward to win the next general election.”
It comes after he said that he was "considering" a bid.
Emily Thornberry and Clive Lewis have both confirmed they are going for the position but are both a way off the number needed to pass the first hurdle, on seven and four respectively.
Sir Keir, the current favourite to succeed Mr Corbyn, leads the way with 59.
Nominations close on Monday.
