Tri-Service

Ex-Para Dan Jarvis Rules Out Bid For Labour Leadership

Former Army paratrooper Dan Jarvis has ruled out himself out of the Labour leadership contest, saying he is putting his children before his immediate political career.

Mr Jarvis, one of the early favourites to succeed Ed Miliband as party leader, gave up his military career to become an MP in 2011, and held his Barnsley Central seat at the general election with an increased majority.

He said the election "delivered a devastating result for the Labour Party and the prospect of five bleak years ahead for our country", adding that he was "ready to serve in that rebuilding process as part of the Labour team." But he added:

"I can't do that as leader at this moment and I won't be putting my name forward in the coming leadership contest. My eldest kids had a very tough time when they lost their mum and I don't want them to lose their dad. I need some space for them, my wife and our youngest child right now, and I wouldn't have it as leader."

Mr Jarvis recently remarried after losing his first wife following a four-year battle against cancer in 2010.

Prime Minister David Cameron, meanwhile, is reshuffling his cabinet after his Conservative party won a majority.