Considering that Labour has never had a female party leader, it would be a historical moment if a woman takes the position.

After Jess Phillips dropped out of the running with a heartfelt video message, Lisa Nandy, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Emily Thornberry are still in the running for leader, alongside front-runner Sir Keir Starmer.

To make it onto the final members’ ballot, candidates need the support of three unions and affiliate groups, or 33 local branches.

Nandy, the Wigan MP, has already secured that level ahead of the 14 February deadline, along with Sir Keir.

However, the shadow Brexit secretary cancelled campaign events this weekend after his mother-in-law was injured in a serious accident, leaving her in a critical condition.

The shadow business secretary, Long-Bailey, was already nominated by the bakers’ union BFAWU, and on Friday won the support of the Unite trade union, leaving her one short.

Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, has not yet received any union or affiliate backing. With only three local branches supporting her, she is seen as the least likely candidate to replace Corbyn.

And over in the deputy leadership race, Rosena Allin-Khan, Dawn Butler and Angela Rayner have are running for the position, alongside Richard Burgon (backed by Unite) and Ian Murray.

Labour leadership: these three female MPs are still in the running