Peter Hain's 'misunderstanding'

From the Belfast Telegraph:

Deputy Labour leadership hopeful Peter Hain was left red-faced yesterday after two MPs who he claimed were backing his campaign insisted they had not made up their minds.

Backbencher Roger Berry said he was "surprised" to be included on a list of 26 MPs "available for quotes" to publicly support the Ulster Secretary's campaign.

And fellow Labour MP Peter Soulsby said his support for Mr Hain will depend on his stance on renewing the Trident nuclear missile system.

Their comments are an embarrassing blow to Mr Hain as he attempts to attract support for his bid to replace John Prescott when he stands down next year.

The Secretary of State yesterday unveiled his campaign team and a list of MPs who journalists were encouraged to phone for supportive quotes.

But when the Belfast Telegraph called Kingswood MP Roger Berry, we were told he was likely to support Mr Hain, but had not yet given his permission to be listed as a backer.

He said: "I certainly did not give authorisation. I am discussing the situation with my constituency party. It's either Peter or Hilary Benn (the international development secretary)."

Likewise, Peter Soulsby, MP for Leicester South, insisted he was keeping his options open.
The MP, who is "totally and utterly" opposed to renewing Trident, said: "I'll be listening very carefully to what he [Hain] and others say before deciding".

Hain4Labour campaign organiser Joe Carberry yesterday admitted there had been a "misunderstanding" and others say before deciding".