Nigeria-British Politician, Chuka Umunna Withdraws From Labour Leadership Battle

36-year old newly elected MP for Streatham in south London, Chuka Umunna has today shocked Labour and withdrawn from the race to succeed Ed Miliband because of the scrutiny and attention he faced in the 72 hours since launching his campaign. The Nigerian once described as 'Britain's Barack Obama' - said he could not cope with the 'pressure and quit because he was uncomfortable with the increased level of scrutiny directed at him and members of his family, including his girlfriend Alice Sullivan.

Mr Umunna said today he had already failed to cope with the 'pressure that comes with being a leadership candidate'. He was the bookies' favourite to replace Ed Miliband and today apologized to his supporters.

'Shortly before the election campaign, I made the decision, in the event that Labour was defeated and a new Leader was to be elected, to stand for the leadership of the party if there was a desire in the party for me to do so. 

'I dearly hoped Labour would win the election and it was a decision I would not have to implement. I also thought I understood the scrutiny and attention a leadership contest would bring. However since the night of our defeat last week I have been subject to the added level of pressure that comes with being a leadership candidate. 

'I have not found it to be a comfortable experience. One can imagine what running for leader can be like, understand its demands and the attention but nothing compares to actually doing it and the impact on the rest of one's life. 

'Consequently after further reflection I am withdrawing my candidacy. 

'I apologise to all those who have kindly supported and encouraged me to do this and for disappointing them. I know this will come as I surprise to many but I had always wondered whether it was all too soon for me to launch this leadership bid - I fear it was. 

'Most importantly, I continued to have very real concerns and worry about this bid's impact on those close to me'.