Lucy Powell has emerged as the new Labour deputy leader following a tight win over Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. In the competition to succeed Angela Rayner, Powell secured 87,407 votes, surpassing Phillipson who garnered 73,536 votes. Powell’s victory, despite her previous dismissal from the Cabinet, is viewed as a signal from Labour members for a shift in direction from Keir Starmer’s Government.
Addressing her win, Powell emphasized the need for progressive politics to address the country’s challenges and fulfill the desire for change. With a total of 970,642 eligible voters and a turnout of 16.6%, Powell called on her party to offer hope and bring about the significant change desired by the nation.
She pledged to be a supportive figure for the Prime Minister and stressed the importance of reclaiming the political narrative to focus on addressing economic inequalities and improving the lives of the majority. In response, the PM congratulated Powell, expressing confidence in her ability to serve as an exceptional Deputy Leader.
Powell, who first entered Parliament as the MP for Manchester Central in 2012, is the fourth woman to be elected to the position of Labour deputy leader, following Margaret Beckett, Harriet Harman, and Rayner. Despite Rayner’s resignation due to tax payment issues, she remains committed to advocating for bold and transformative policies in Parliament.