Former Commons Leader Lucy Powell has defeated Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to become Labour’s new deputy leader, delivering a significant setback to Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership amid growing internal party tensions.
The Manchester Central MP secured 87,407 votes, representing 54 per cent of the ballot, whilst Phillipson garnered 73,536 votes with 46 per cent. The contest saw a dramatically low turnout of just 16.6 per cent, compared to 59 per cent when Angela Rayner won the position in 2020.
The result marks a critical juncture for the Prime Minister, who sacked Powell from her Cabinet role last month during a reshuffle following Rayner’s resignation. Political observers had widely viewed Phillipson as Downing Street’s preferred candidate, making Powell’s victory particularly uncomfortable for the government’s inner circle.
In her acceptance speech, Powell delivered what many interpreted as a veiled critique of Starmer’s administration. The newly elected deputy leader emphasised the need for Labour to demonstrate clearer purpose and direction.
“We must give a stronger sense of our purpose, whose side we are on and of our Labour values and beliefs,” Powell declared. “People feel that this government is not being bold enough in delivering the kind of change we promised.”
The race was triggered when Rayner resigned on 5 September after the Prime Minister’s ethics adviser found she had breached the Ministerial Code. Rayner admitted underpaying stamp duty on a property purchase in Hove, with reports suggesting she owed approximately £40,000 in additional charges. Despite finding she had “acted with integrity” over the matter, Sir Laurie Magnus concluded she had failed to meet the highest standards of conduct required by ministerial office.
Powell’s dismissal from the Cabinet had sparked controversy within Labour ranks, particularly among MPs from the North West. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham publicly backed Powell’s candidacy, expressing dissatisfaction with her removal from government. She secured nominations from 119 Labour MPs, whilst Phillipson received backing from 177 parliamentarians.
The soft-left politician has indicated she will not return to a government role, preferring to remain on the backbenches where she can speak more freely about the party’s direction. This stance contrasts sharply with previous deputy leaders who typically held Cabinet positions alongside their party role.
Powell took aim at Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party in her victory remarks, criticising Labour’s approach to countering the insurgent right-wing movement.
“We won’t win by trying to out-Reform Reform, but by building a broad progressive consensus,” she stated. Let’s be honest, we’ve let Farage and his ilk run away with it. He wants to blame immigration for all the country’s problems. We reject that.”
Sir Keir attempted to project unity following the announcement, congratulating Powell whilst defending his government’s record. The Prime Minister described her as a “proud defender” of Labour values.
“I look forward to continuing working with Lucy as my Labour government continues to drive forwards the change the British people voted for last year,” Starmer said. “I know Lucy will be an incredible deputy leader and help our party be election ready.”
However, the Prime Minister acknowledged the party’s recent difficulties, specifically referencing Labour’s devastating defeat in the Caerphilly by-election earlier this week. The Welsh constituency, which Labour had held for a century, fell to Plaid Cymru with a 27 per cent swing against the governing party.
A bad result in Wales, I accept that, but a reminder that people need to look out their window and see change and renewal in their community, opportunities for their children, public services rebuilt, the cost of living crisis tackled,” Starmer conceded.
The Prime Minister framed the challenge ahead as existential for the nation, warning against what he characterised as divisive politics from opposition parties.
“Renewal is the only answer to decline, to grievance and to division,” Starmer insisted. “It is the offer we must make to the people of Scotland, Wales and England next year. And that means we must come together. We must unite.”
Powell paid tribute to Rayner during her speech, acknowledging her predecessor’s significant contributions to both party and country. She also praised Phillipson as someone of “huge talent, dedication and real Labour values.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed Powell would take an active campaigning role immediately, with plans to begin constituency work ahead of next May’s elections across Britain.
Unlike Rayner, Powell will not hold the title of deputy prime minister. Foreign Secretary David Lammy assumed that constitutional role following Rayner’s departure, whilst Housing Secretary Steve Reed took over her departmental responsibilities.
Political analysts suggest Powell’s victory exposes deepening fractures within Labour over Starmer’s governing approach. Her election provides a platform for members dissatisfied with the government’s direction, particularly those who believe the party has abandoned core progressive values.
The contest had begun with six candidates before winnowing to the final two. Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, failed to secure sufficient nominations, whilst former Cabinet ministers Alison McGovern, Dame Emily Thornberry and Paula Barker withdrew before the parliamentary nomination stage closed.
Powell’s campaign drew support from prominent soft-left figures including Ed Miliband, Lisa Nandy, Louise Haigh and Stephen Kinnock. The Tribune Group of left-leaning Labour MPs rallied behind her candidacy, viewing the contest as crucial for maintaining progressive influence within the party.
The deputy leadership announcement comes during a particularly challenging period for Starmer’s government, following controversies over grooming gang inquiries, immigration policy setbacks and the historic Caerphilly defeat.
Powell, who joined Labour in 1989, served as Leader of the House of Commons before her September dismissal. She previously held shadow Cabinet positions under both Ed Miliband and Jeremy Corbyn, and was appointed to multiple roles in Starmer’s opposition team before Labour’s 2024 general election victory.
The Manchester Central MP has represented her constituency since winning a 2012 by-election and identifies with the party’s soft-left faction. She campaigned for Britain to remain in the European Union during the 2016 referendum.
As deputy leader, Powell will focus primarily on party organisation and member engagement rather than governmental duties. She has described the role as providing an essential link between the parliamentary party and grassroots membership, promising to serve as an “independent voice for members and backbenchers.”
Her election sets the stage for potential tensions as Labour prepares for crucial elections across Scotland, Wales and England in May 2026, with Powell expected to champion a more assertively progressive platform than the current government has pursued.
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Image Credit:
Lucy Powell — photo by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street, licensed under the UK Open Government Licence v3.0(OGL v3.0). (commons.wikimedia.org)
