The race to become the next deputy leader of the Labour Party has dramatically intensified with two major declarations. Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and David Powell, a former senior adviser to Ed Miliband, have both thrown their hats into the ring, signalling a fiercely contested internal election.
Phillipson, a prominent figure on the party's centre-left, officially launched her campaign with a pledge to bridge the divides within Labour and reconnect with voters who turned away from the party in its traditional heartlands. Her entry positions her as a formidable contender with significant frontbench experience.
She will face a challenge from David Powell, who brings a different perspective from his time as head of the environment charity, Green Alliance. Powell is expected to campaign on a platform of party modernisation and a renewed focus on social and environmental justice, appealing to the party's grassroots members.
This contest is seen as critical for the future direction of the Labour Party under Keir Starmer's leadership. The new deputy will play a key role in uniting the party's various factions and crafting a compelling message to present to the electorate ahead of the next general election.
The outcome will be decided by Labour members and affiliated supporters through a one-member-one-vote system, with the result expected to be announced later this year. The contest promises to be a defining moment for Labour as it seeks to rebuild and challenge the Conservative government.
