Labour Party: Chuka Umunna withdraws from Labour leadership contest
Shocking Exit….The Shadow business secretary ‘Labour leader hopeful’ Chuka Umunna 36, has withdrawn from Labour Party’s Leadership Bid, he issued the following statement
“As a member of the Shadow Cabinet, I am used to a level of attention which is part and parcel of the job. I witnessed the 2010 leadership election process close up and thought I would be comfortable with what it involved.
However since the night of our defeat last week I have been subject to the added level of pressure that comes with being a leadership candidate. I have not found it to be a comfortable experience.
One can imagine what running for leader can be like, understand its demands and the attention but nothing compares to actually doing it and the impact on the rest of one’s life. Consequently after further reflection I am withdrawing my candidacy.
I apologise to all those who have kindly supported and encouraged me to do this and for disappointing them. I know this will come as I surprise to many but I had always wondered whether it was all too soon for me to launch this leadership bid – I fear it was.
Most importantly, I continued to have very real concerns and worry about this bid’s impact on those close to me.
I intend to carry on playing my full role as a proud member of our Shadow Cabinet taking on the Tories. I also hope to play a leading role in Labour’s campaign to keep the UK in the EU during the forthcoming referendum which is absolutely crucial. Most importantly, I will as ever continue to serve the area I know and love – the Streatham parliamentary constituency.
What a huge loss for the Labour Party! we hope he changes his mind
Photo Credit: Chuka Umunna fbook
