Burton faces White challenge to lead Labour

Joan Burton’s bid for the Labour Party leadership is expected to be challenged by Junior Health Minister Alex White, in a move which will divide party members following a bruising set of elections last week.

Party sources last night said Mr White would declare his bid tomorrow and that he would receive support from the younger TDs in the party.

An emotional meeting of Labour’s parliamentary party members last night heard TDs and senators come out fighting for their future.

Outgoing leader Eamon Gilmore received a standing ovation, but also accepted responsibility for the dismal local and European election results.

Cabinet colleague Brendan Howlin told those at the Leinster House meeting that he would not be contesting the race. He afterwards said it was one of the “most highly emotional and determined meetings” he had attended in 30 years. “We are going to climb that hill and if anybody thinks we won’t they’re wrong.”

He declined to say if he would remain in his post as public expenditure minister and said decisions about Labour’s frontbench would be a matter for the new leader after the race.

The meeting heard about councillors who had lost their seats and there were also tributes to Mr Gilmore.

Before the meeting started it was agreed that the issue of a motion of no confidence in Mr Gilmore that had been drafted by eight parliamentary members over the weekend would not be discussed.

Parliamentary party chairman Jack Wall also asked members not to canvass people during speeches,

Mr White spoke at the meeting and denied that he had threatened to resign at the weekend unless Mr Gilmore would step down.

But party sources confirmed that he told members last night that he had told Mr Gilmore at the weekend that he would support the motion of no confidence. This may have damaged his chances of winning the leadership over Ms Burton, sources said.

“He would have surpassed her [in a vote] before the weekend with parliament members, but I don’t think he has the support now,” one TD explained.

Mr White last night said he would make a decision by the end of the week.

Ms Burton launched her leadership bid yesterday pledging to keep Labour in Government until 2016 but to focus on a social recovery alongside an economic one.

The limits of austerity had been reached, she said.

Junior transport minister Alan Kelly has also expressed interest in the leadership, but has not clarified if he will run for leader or deputy leader.

Nominations close next Tuesday for both positions, but the party says that, if there is only one candidate, then that person will be nominated then rather than having to wait for a vote on July 4.