Six female Labour MPs have entered the competition to succeed Angela Rayner as deputy leader. Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, emerged as an early favorite by reassuring that the reforms on workers’ rights championed by Rayner would not be weakened. Speaking at the Trades Unions Congress conference shortly after declaring her candidacy, Phillipson emphasized the commitment to uphold the Employment Rights Bill without compromise. Highlighting her background as a working-class woman from the North East, she positioned herself as a strong contender for the role.
Despite her strong stance on workers’ rights, Phillipson faces scrutiny for potentially being endorsed by Downing Street for the deputy leader position, at a time when MPs are urging the government to address pressing issues like a wealth tax and the situation in Gaza.
Joining the race alongside Phillipson are Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry, former Cabinet minister Lucy Powell, Housing Minister Alison McGovern, and left-wing MPs Paula Barker and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, all of whom announced their candidacy on Tuesday. The contenders will participate in a virtual hustings organized by the party to secure at least 80 nominations from MPs to advance to the members’ ballot.
Phillipson, with 44 nominations, expressed determination to challenge Reform’s agenda. Thornberry, with 7 nominations, emphasized the need to learn from past mistakes and advocate for key issues like welfare and wealth tax. McGovern, with 2 nominations, stressed the importance of countering right-wing populism. Powell, with 35 nominations, highlighted the significance of understanding people’s concerns in shaping party policies. Ribeiro-Addy, with 8 nominations, criticized the rushed process for electing a new deputy leader. Barker, with 3 nominations, underscored the importance of upholding Labour values and prioritizing public services and workers’ rights.
