In a sweeping critique of Britain's political establishment, Labour's Deputy Leader Lucy Powell has declared the current Westminster system "not fit for purpose" and unveiled ambitious plans for constitutional overhaul if her party wins the next general election.
The Case for Change
Speaking exclusively to The Independent, Powell didn't mince words about the scale of reform needed. "Our political system is broken," she stated bluntly. "From the unelected House of Lords to the centralisation of power in Whitehall, the entire structure needs fundamental reform to serve the British people properly."
Key Reform Proposals
Labour's constitutional shake-up includes several groundbreaking measures:
- Abolishing the House of Lords and replacing it with an elected second chamber
- Radical devolution of power from Westminster to local communities
- Strengthening standards in public life and ministerial accountability
- Reforming how Whitehall operates to improve policy delivery
Why Now Matters
Powell emphasised the timing is crucial, with the country potentially facing a change of government after 14 years of Conservative rule. "We need to hit the ground running," she explained. "The British public's trust in politics has been eroded by scandal and incompetence. Restoring that trust requires systemic change, not just new faces."
Beyond Constitutional Reform
The Shadow Minister made clear these changes aren't just about political structures. "This is about making government work better for everyone," Powell asserted. "Whether it's delivering on housing, healthcare, or economic growth, we need a political system that enables rather than obstructs progress."
With Labour maintaining strong poll leads, Powell's words carry significant weight, suggesting that if Keir Starmer enters Number 10, Britain could witness the most significant restructuring of its political system in generations.
