LONDON (AP) — One of the two lawmakers vying to replace British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has dropped out of the leadership race.

Angela Eagle says she's putting her support behind Owen Smith because he has more backing from Labour legislators.

She said Tuesday that "we need to have a strong and united Labour Party so we can be a good opposition, take the fight to the Conservative government and heal our country."

Corbyn is a veteran left-wing lawmaker who was elected leader by the party's members last year.

He has lost the support of most Labour legislators, who accuse him of being unelectable and of showing half-hearted support for European Union membership during Britain's referendum campaign.

Party members will choose between Corbyn and Smith in an election that ends Sept. 24.