Bell Ribeiro-Addy has officially entered the race for Labour deputy leader, joining a crowded field that includes education secretary Bridget Phillipson, Emily Thornberry, Lucy Powell, Alison McGovern, and Paula Barker. The contest comes after a reshuffle sacking, with candidates vying for the position ahead of a nomination deadline.
A recent Survation poll for LabourList shows Phillipson leading with a +39% favourability rating among party members, followed by Thornberry at +20%. Powell stands at +1%, while Ribeiro-Addy has a -3% rating. The poll did not include Barker, and other potential candidates like Alison McGovern and Meg Hillier have yet to declare.
To secure a spot on the ballot, candidates need nominations from 80 Labour MPs by the deadline. The Times' Patrick Maguire suggests Phillipson may be the only one to reach this threshold, potentially winning unopposed. This outcome would please leader Keir Starmer, as it avoids a divisive contest over issues like Israel's actions in Gaza or wealth taxes.
Ribeiro-Addy, the MP for Streatham, has outlined her vision in a Guardian article, emphasising her commitment to socialist principles and grassroots engagement. The contest is expected to conclude soon, with the winner serving as deputy to Starmer.
