TOTTENHAM MP David Lammy has pledged to endorse Diane Abbott in her bid to become leader of the Labour party.

The former minister revealed today that he would lend his nomination to the Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP who needs the backing of 33 MPs to enter the race properly.

Mr Lammy, one of a the few black members of parliament and one of its most senior, said he was compelled to back a more diverse contest.

Ms Abbot, who co-hosts the BBC's This Week with Michael Portillo, was Britain's first black female MP.

She is now the sole woman to enter the contest which includes David Miliband, Ed Miliband, Andy Burnham, Ed Balls and John McDonnell.

Mr Lammy said: "Ever since I was first elected to parliament I have called for a more diverse and representative political class. It would go against all that not to help Diane Abbott get on to the ballot paper now. To have a leadership election without a single woman involved would send a terrible signal."

However, Mr Lammmy said that nominating Ms Abbott to get on to the final ballot, did not necessarily mean he was going to vote for her later down the line.

He said: "The question at this stage is whether we can have a more diverse field and an open discussion over the next few months. I think we should."

The deadline for nominations is June 9.