Labour Deputy Leader Lucy Powell has launched a blistering attack on Reform UK, accusing the party of being "focused on making their crypto-billionaire donor mates even richer, rather than getting things done for our country."
Writing in an opinion piece, Powell, who also serves as Education Secretary, said the stakes "could not be higher" as Labour takes the fight to Nigel Farage and Reform, who she described as "totally unfit for office."
Powell's Vision for Labour
Powell, who was elected Labour's Deputy Leader one year ago, said she promised to "take back the political megaphone" and set out a clear message of what the party stands for. She said Labour is "working tirelessly to give Britain hope again."
She highlighted measures including capping bus fares in England at £2 from January and scrapping VAT from household electricity bills, describing these as a "downpayment on more support to come." Powell also cited greater public control of housing, water and energy, a National Care Service, a new relationship with Europe, and ending rough sleeping as part of Labour's progressive vision.
Education Reforms and the Battle with Reform
As Education Secretary, Powell said she is making sure the education system works for all children, with new vocational pathways to help people see the link between school and work. She said this gives them "hope that going to school leads to a brighter future."
Powell said Labour's vision rejects the danger posed by Reform and the Tories. She argued that Reform's focus on enriching their crypto-billionaire donors shows whose side they are really on, and it is not ordinary people.
"We talk about hope, but hope isn't just a watchword. It's our statement of intent," Powell wrote. She acknowledged there is much to do but said that feeling of hope is slowly returning. "One year into this job, it's clear to me that only Labour can deliver that. Here's to the next year."
