Shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna has withdrawn from the Labour party leadership contest. Mr. Umunna, 36, had been the second candidate to declare his intention to stand, via a post on his Facebook page. But the MP said in a statement that he was not comfortable with the level of pressure and scrutiny that came with being a leadership candidate.
BBC correspondent Eleanor Garnier said it was a "huge shock" as Mr. Umunna had been seen as one of the frontrunners.
She added that she understood there was no scandal that lay behind his decision to step aside. Rather, Mr. Umunna felt that due to the "sheer pressure" of the contest it was not the right time for him - or his family - to put himself forward.
BBC correspondent Eleanor Garnier said it was a "huge shock" as Mr. Umunna had been seen as one of the frontrunners.
She added that she understood there was no scandal that lay behind his decision to step aside. Rather, Mr. Umunna felt that due to the "sheer pressure" of the contest it was not the right time for him - or his family - to put himself forward.
'Further reflection'
A rising star of the party, Mr. Umunna was first elected to Parliament in 2010 before joining the shadow cabinet. He confirmed his candidacy for the Labour leadership on 12 May, saying the party under Ed Miliband had failed to appeal to enough voters in England.
But in a statement on Friday he announced his intention to withdraw from the race.
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