Seven weeks ago, Angela Rayner stepped down as the deputy leader of the Labour Party, sparking an unwanted internal contest within the party. The announcement of her successor is scheduled to take place today at a subdued event held at Labour’s headquarters. Shabana Mahmood, the chair of the National Executive Committee (NEC), will reveal the winner at 10 am, with no elaborate special members’ conference planned for the occasion.
Recent polls among party members indicate that Lucy Powell, the MP for Manchester Central, is poised to secure the deputy leader position, having a significant lead over her competitor, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. However, Phillipson’s campaign remains optimistic about a potential victory, counting on support from union affiliate votes and emphasizing her advocacy for popular initiatives such as free school breakfasts and expanded free school meals.
Despite being perceived as the government’s favored candidate, Phillipson remains determined to clinch the role, dismissing notions that she is aligned with No10’s preferences. The upcoming appointment of the new deputy leader, without the expectation of a Cabinet position, has led some MPs to question the role’s significance, suggesting it may be time to abolish it.
A victory for Powell is anticipated to send a clear message to Downing Street, indicating a need for change within the party. Powell has expressed her readiness to deliver frank feedback to No10, emphasizing the necessity for a “course correction” after Labour’s challenging initial year. Concerns have emerged within Downing Street about Powell’s potential to stir controversy with her statements.
Both Powell and Phillipson have highlighted the urgency of eliminating the Tory-era two-child benefit limit, with Phillipson emphasizing the harmful impact on impoverished children. The Budget announcement next month is expected to be a critical juncture, with potential disagreements between Starmer and the new deputy leader if the policy remains unchanged.