Bridget Philipson holds significant influence and is in a position to make the Deputy Leadership role meaningful alongside Keir Starmer.
While the deputy leadership campaign may not be at the forefront of most Labour Party members’ minds, it remains a crucial aspect to consider. The discussion surrounding the role of a deputy leader during Labour’s governance, especially when the Prime Minister is not bound to offer the deputy premiership, was briefly overshadowed by the urgency to move forward without unnecessary conflicts following Angela’s departure.
The current choice lies between two highly capable women from northern constituencies, both emphasizing their intent to support rather than challenge the party’s leadership. The key factor in deciding our vote should be the candidate who brings the most experience and is likely to have Keir Starmer’s ear even when delivering unwelcome advice.
In my view, the focus should be on someone with substantial influence and a strong voice in the field that has always been close to my heart: education. This is why I advocate for Bridget Philipson, who has demonstrated a deep commitment to early years education, the revival of Sure Start programs, quality childcare, and educational standards improvement for all. Her leadership in the Child Poverty Review not only reflects her personal background but also underscores the need for comprehensive policies to tackle family poverty, a cornerstone in reducing child poverty.
Bridget’s ability to translate policy into action is vital, especially in addressing the challenges left by the previous government regarding special educational needs. As Deputy Leader, she would have the leverage to garner support from colleagues and navigate complex political landscapes effectively.
The outcome of this contest, though seemingly mundane, holds significant importance for the Labour Party’s deputy leadership role.
David Blunkett was Labour Home Secretary from 2001-2004.
