Lucy Powell expressed her gratitude to Labour supporters for electing her as the Deputy Leader of the party, emphasizing the importance of this role. She stated her intention to decline a government position to freely address the party’s direction while in office. Powell secured victory in the Labour deputy leadership contest with 54% of the vote, surpassing Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who obtained a 46% share. In her victory speech, Powell stressed the necessity for the party to provide hope and substantial change, aligning with Labour’s core values and principles.
Powell highlighted the public’s perception that the current government lacks boldness in fulfilling promised reforms, setting the stage for her leadership role. The competition arose following Angela Rayner’s resignation over a property transaction issue. Powell garnered 87,407 votes from Labour members and affiliates, with Phillipson receiving 73,536 votes in a contest with a 16.6% turnout.
Acknowledging the support received, Powell commended her fellow candidates and pledged to honor the trust placed in her by supporters. She paid tribute to Bridget Phillipson and Angela Rayner for their contributions to the party, expressing her commitment to collaborating with them. Powell emphasized the urgent need for the Labour Party to address growing division and discontent in society, underlining the importance of progressive politics in transforming people’s lives positively.
As the newly elected Deputy Leader, Powell outlined her mission to amplify the voices of party members and reinforce Labour’s core values. She stressed the significance of challenging prevailing narratives, reclaiming the political discourse, and championing bold solutions to address societal inequalities. Powell emphasized the historical achievements of Labour governments and the party’s commitment to serving the people.
Looking ahead to upcoming elections, Powell underscored the need for unity and a progressive approach to secure electoral success. She reiterated her dedication to driving positive change in Britain and serving both the country and the Labour Party. Powell’s address encapsulated her vision for a more inclusive and impactful Labour Party under her leadership.