Jess Phillips fuels rumours of 2020 Labour leadership run with not-so-cryptic tweet

Phillips, one of the only Labour backbenchers high-profile enough to attempt to take over from Jeremy Corbyn, acknowledged in October that she had been considering a run.

Now her tweet – which spells out ‘2020’ in graphic typography – has caused almost instant speculation on the social media platform, where she receives admiration and censure in almost equal measure.

“You’re running!” responded Twitter user Andrew Young.

“To the abyss I hope,” replied Twitter user Make It Red.

Her stance on Jeremy Corbyn’s Brexit policies and his handling of accusations of anti-Semitism has put her at odds with some of the leader’s staunchest fans, who have reacted to the teaser tweet with sarcastic gifs and commentary.

Others reacted positively, such as Twitter user Sari Pestell who said: “Hope this means what I think it does. Go Jess.”

Only two Labour MPs, Emily Thornberry and Clive Lewis, have so far officially announced their intention to run for leader.

However, MPs such as Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy, and Kier Starmer are all understood to be likely contenders – and have been making the social and mainstream media appearances to back it up.

MORE: Rebecca Long-Bailey ‘considering’ Labour leadership run as other Corbyn allies eye bidWATCH: Labour was ‘right’ to take ‘radical’ position on austerity, says Keir StarmerDavid Lammy and Ian Lavery have also been suggested as possible leadership contenders.