Seven weeks ago, Angela Rayner resigned as the deputy leader of the Labour Party, leading to an unwanted internal party competition. The announcement of her successor will take place at the Labour headquarters today, with Shabana Mahmood, the chair of the National Executive Committee (NEC), set to reveal the winner at 10am.
The event will not include a special members’ conference, but the winner will have the opportunity to deliver a brief speech. Keir Starmer is also expected to offer congratulatory remarks. Recent member polls indicate that Lucy Powell, the MP for Manchester Central, is in the lead over her competitor, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, by a significant margin.
Despite the odds, Phillipson’s campaign remains optimistic about a potential victory today, citing support from union affiliates. They highlight her contributions in government, such as advocating for popular initiatives like free school breakfasts and expanded free school meals. However, some members perceive her as the government’s favored candidate, which could be a disadvantage given current frustrations with government actions.
Powell, on the other hand, emphasizes that her full-time focus as deputy leader, without cabinet responsibilities, could be an advantage. While some backbench MPs dismiss the importance of the deputy leader position, others believe a Powell victory would send a clear message for change.
In the midst of the competition, both candidates agree on the need to eliminate the two-child benefit limit imposed during the Tory era. Phillipson pledges to represent members’ voices in the Cabinet, emphasizing the detrimental effects of the policy on children in poverty. Powell echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue in upcoming budget decisions.
If the upcoming budget fails to address this policy change desired by Labour members, it could lead to potential disagreements between Starmer and the newly elected deputy leader. The outcome of this contest is seen as a pivotal moment that could signal the need for adjustments within the party and its leadership.