Shock Upset: Lucy Powell Dumps Bridget Phillipson in Labour Deputy Race
In a stunning twist, Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell has stunned the Labour establishment by ousting Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to seize the deputy leadership. Powell bagged 54% of the vote – 87,407 ballots – beating Phillipson’s 73,536 (46%).
Turnout was pitiful, crashing to just 16.6%, a far cry from the 59% who backed Angela Rayner in 2020. The dramatic result sends shockwaves through Sir Keir Starmer’s camp amid growing party tensions.
Powell’s Win Deals Blow to Starmer’s Authority
Starmer’s top pick, Phillipson, was the clear favourite – making Powell’s victory a major embarrassment for the Labour leader. Powell, who was dumped from her Cabinet role last month after Rayner’s messy exit, now promises a new direction.
“We must give a stronger sense of our purpose, whose side we are on and of our Labour values and beliefs,” Powell told supporters. “People feel that this government is not being bold enough in delivering the kind of change we promised.”
The result exposes raw divides within Labour. Unlike previous deputies, Powell vows to stay on the backbenches and steer clear of ministerial posts – shaking up tradition.
Starmer Calls for Unity After Caerphilly Election Disaster
The Labour leader praised Powell as a “proud defender” of party values but did not shy from admitting Labour’s troubles. He pointed to the Caerphilly disaster where Labour lost a 100-year-old seat to Plaid Cymru with a massive 27% swing.
“We need to see change and renewal in communities, opportunities for children, rebuilt public services, and a tackle on the cost of living crisis,” Starmer said. “Renewal is the only answer to decline, grievance and division.”
Starmer urged Labour to unite and present a clear offer to voters ahead of the 2026 elections.
Powell Targets Nigel Farage and Promises a Progressive Fightback
In her victory speech, Powell took a swipe at Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, accusing Labour of failing to combat the right-wing insurgency effectively.
“We won’t win by trying to out-Reform Reform,” Powell warned. “Let’s be honest, we’ve let Farage run away with it. He blames immigration for all the country’s problems. We reject that.”
Powell picked up key endorsements from Labour’s soft-left big hitters including Ed Miliband and Lisa Nandy. She’s set to champion a progressive agenda ahead of crucial elections in Scotland, Wales and England.
What’s Next for Labour’s New Deputy Leader?
- Powell will prioritise party organisation and rallying grassroots activists and backbench MPs.
- She paid tribute to predecessor Angela Rayner and rival Phillipson but stressed the need for bolder leadership.
- Unlike Rayner, Powell won’t become deputy prime minister; Starmer has reshuffled key roles within the Cabinet.
With Powell now in charge as deputy leader, Labour’s internal power struggles look set to heat up as they prepare for a crucial electoral battle and aim to rebuild trust after a rocky start to Starmer’s leadership.
