The GMB union has backed Lisa Nandy in the Labour leadership contest.
Announcing the move on Tuesday afternoon, the union said it is "proud to nominate" the MP for Wigan as its choice to replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader.
General secretary Tim Roache said: “Lisa Nandy is a breath of fresh air in the debate over Labour’s future.
“The more members see of Lisa in this contest the more impressed they will be by her ambition, optimism and decisive leadership. GMB is proud to nominate her.”
The boost for Ms Nandy came as Labour MP Jess Phillips announced she is dropping out of the leadership contest.
The Birmingham Yardley MP made it through to the second round of the leadership race but has decided to withdraw, stating she is not the candidate to "unite all parts of our movement".
In a message to supporters, she said: "The Labour Party needs to elect a candidate who can bring all parts of our movement together. And at this time, if I am honest, that candidate is not me."
She leaves behind Sir Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Ms Nandy and Emily Thornberry vying for the position.
