Labour Deputy leader Harriet Harman has said she will not put herself forward as leader following Gordon Brown's resignation.

Mr Brown said he would stand down by September at the latest, to help promote Labour's chances of reaching a coalition deal with the Liberal Democrats.

Ms Harman, who is involved with the Lib Dem negotiations, told Newsnight, "Gordon took the view he needed to take some responsibility for the election result, that it would pave the way more easily for a partnership".

She added that she had no plans whatsoever to stand as leader herself, saying "you can't run for leader at the same time as being deputy leader".