The contest between Lucy Powell and Bridget Phillipson for the Labour deputy leadership is set to conclude on Saturday, but the result may do little to heal internal party rifts. Powell, who initially feared she was being sacked when Angela Rayner resigned, now stands a chance of returning as deputy leader. Phillipson, the education secretary, hesitated before entering the race, hurt by internal briefings against her.
The contest has been marked by tension, with Powell labelled the 'Momentum candidate' and Phillipson seen as the leadership's preferred choice. A Labour source said the outcome matters greatly to the party's centre, which has actively campaigned for its candidate. Powell's supporters feel aggrieved by the portrayal of their candidate as reckless, while Phillipson's camp argues she would be a unifying force.
Low turnout is expected from an apathetic membership, and polls show Powell with a 17-point lead. However, Phillipson has secured endorsements from three major trade unions with votes in the contest. Most Labour MPs expect Powell to win, but uncertainty remains over how the leadership might respond if she does, with some fearing she could be frozen out.
Both candidates have moved to the left on policy, with Powell calling for an end to the two-child benefit limit and Phillipson pledging to protect Labour's workers' rights package. The result will be announced in a low-key event at Labour HQ, without the usual fanfare, reflecting the party's desire to avoid further internal strife.
