Seven weeks ago, Angela Rayner stepped down as the deputy leader of the Labour Party, leading to an unwanted contest within the party. The new deputy leader will be announced today at a quiet event at Labour’s headquarters, with Shabana Mahmood, the chair of the National Executive Committee, revealing the winner at 10 am.
Despite no grand celebration or special conference for members, the winning candidate will have the opportunity to deliver a brief speech. The expected congratulations from Keir Starmer are also anticipated. Recent polls among members indicate that Lucy Powell, the MP for Manchester Central, is poised to be the new deputy leader, holding a significant lead over her competitor, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.
While Phillipson’s campaign remains hopeful for a victory, emphasizing support from union affiliate votes and showcasing her government initiatives such as free school breakfasts and expanded school meals, she faces challenges due to perceptions of being the government’s favored candidate. Some members view the deputy leader position as irrelevant, especially with David Lammy already appointed as Deputy Prime Minister.
A victory for Powell is seen as a potential signal for change within Downing Street, with supporters emphasizing the need for a shift in direction. Powell herself has highlighted the importance of delivering critical messages to No10 and advocating for policy changes, particularly regarding the two-child benefit limit.
The upcoming Budget will be crucial, as failure to address key issues like the benefit policy could lead to tensions between Starmer and his newly elected deputy leader. The contest has underscored the demand for policy changes and a reevaluation of priorities within the Labour Party.
