Lucy Powell is being advocated for a Cabinet position by Harriet Harman if she emerges victorious in the Labour Deputy leadership contest. Harman, the former chair of the Labour party, emphasized the importance of the deputy having a Cabinet role, citing Gordon Brown appointing her in a similar manner in 2007. In an article in The Sunday Mirror, Harman praised both Powell and her competitor Bridget Phillipson’s capabilities for the role while expressing regret over Angela Rayner’s departure.
Both Powell and Phillipson are vying to take over from Rayner, who stepped down from the position of Deputy Prime Minister amid a dispute over underpaid stamp duty tax. Harman noted, “I think the party expects the person they elected as their deputy to be part of Labour’s top team in a Labour government.” She highlighted the precedent where she was immediately included in the Cabinet upon winning the deputy leadership in 2007 under Brown.
Regarding the current scenario, Harman pointed out that while Phillipson is already a Cabinet member, Powell is not. She urged Keir Starmer to offer Powell a Cabinet seat if she secures the Deputy position. Harman also advised the winner to take charge in upcoming elections as 2026 is a critical year for the party, suggesting campaign visits to various regions.
The announcement of the winner is scheduled for October 25, with either Lucy Powell, the former Leader of the House, or Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emerging victorious.