Lucy Powell has been elected as the new Labour deputy leader, narrowly defeating Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson in the contest. Powell received 87,407 votes, surpassing Phillipson’s 73,536 votes.
Powell’s win, following her dismissal from the Cabinet after Angela Rayner’s resignation, is seen as a signal from Labour members for a change in direction from Keir Starmer’s government. In her victory speech, Powell emphasized the need for progressive politics to positively impact people’s lives and address rising division and discontent in the country.
Out of 970,642 eligible voters, 160,993 participated in the election, resulting in a 16.6% turnout. Powell called on her party to provide hope and deliver the significant changes desired by the nation.
Responding to the election results, the Prime Minister congratulated Powell, expressing confidence in her ability to be an outstanding Deputy Leader. Powell, who was first elected as the MP for Manchester Central in 2012, becomes the fourth woman to hold the position of Labour deputy leader, following Margaret Beckett, Harriet Harman, and Angela Rayner.
In her resignation statement, Rayner emphasized the importance of bold actions in politics and vowed to continue fighting for change. She pledged to uphold her socialist values and commitment to improving lives. Rayner stepped down from her positions as Housing Secretary and Deputy PM last month after a tax-related controversy surrounding her seaside home in Hove.
Powell’s election marks a new chapter for Labour’s leadership, with expectations high for her role as Deputy Leader alongside Keir Starmer.
