Let $u$ be an endomorphism of $E$ nilpotent of index $p$ and of rank $r$. Suppose the matrix of $u$ in some basis is $N_\sigma = \operatorname{diag}\left(J_{\alpha_1}, \ldots, J_{\alpha_k}\right)$ where $\sigma = (\alpha_1, \ldots, \alpha_k)$ is a partition of $n$ with $\alpha_1 \geqslant \cdots \geqslant \alpha_k$.
Deduce the value of $\alpha_1$.