2007 Labour Party leadership election (UK)

The 2007 Labour Party leadership election was triggered by the resignation of Tony Blair as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Labour Party on 27 June 2007. The election was held to choose his successor.

The contest was primarily between Gordon Brown, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, and John McDonnell, a backbench MP representing the socialist wing of the party. Brown was widely expected to win and secured the endorsements of a large majority of Labour MPs.

To secure a place on the ballot, candidates needed the nominations of 45 Labour MPs. John McDonnell struggled to gain sufficient nominations, publicly appealing for nominations to ensure a debate and choice for party members.

Ultimately, Gordon Brown was the only candidate to secure the required number of nominations by the deadline. As a result, he was declared Leader of the Labour Party unopposed on 24 June 2007. He subsequently became Prime Minister on 27 June 2007, succeeding Tony Blair.

The result of the election led to debate about the lack of a formal leadership contest and the implications for internal party democracy. While Brown enjoyed widespread support within the Parliamentary Labour Party, some commentators argued that a contested election would have strengthened his mandate and provided a clearer direction for the party.