Ed Miliband was the first Labour contender to cross the 33-signature hurdle

Miliband brothers lead the race

Miliband brothers lead the race

By politics.co.uk staff

The Miliband brothers have become the first of the Labour leadership contenders to pass the 33-signature hurdle.

Ed Miliband, former energy and climate change secretary, has secured 39 nominations, although he is likely to receive more as the days wear on.

Among them are several members of the shadow Cabinet, including John Denham, Sadiq Khan, Hilary Benn and Peter Hain.

David Miliband, former foreign secretary, secured 36 nominations.

The more nominations the Miliband brothers secure the harder the contest becomes for the other candidates. Mr Burnham, for instance, only has one nomination as things stand, although he is expected to pick up support over the coming days.

Under Labour party rules leadership candidates have to secure the support of 33 MPs before they can qualify for the race.