Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell have officially launched their campaigns for the Labour deputy leadership, setting out starkly different approaches to the role. The education secretary, widely seen as the preferred candidate of Number 10, warned against looking backwards and dwelling on the party's mistakes in its first year of government, while Powell, recently ousted as Leader of the House of Commons, vowed to serve as an independent voice who would speak truth to senior leadership.
Launching her campaign in Sunderland, Phillipson emphasised her experience fighting a 'red wall' seat and pledged to take on Reform UK. She said she would run a campaign of 'hope, not grievance' and warned against division, promising to continue Angela Rayner's campaigning role. 'What mattered was not just what she believed, but that she could act on it,' Phillipson told party members.
Powell, in an email to constituency Labour parties, promised to be a 'full-time deputy leader' and an 'independent voice', contrasting with Phillipson's potential dual role as education secretary. She acknowledged the need for 'difficult conversations' and admitted the party had made mistakes that 'overshadow our achievements'. Powell described her Manchester Central seat as 'half red-wall, half urban', suggesting she could counter threats from Reform and the Greens.
The candidates must secure nominations from constituency parties and affiliates before ballots are issued to members. A hustings will take place at the Labour party conference, with ballots opening on Wednesday 8 October and closing on Thursday 23 October. The result will be declared on 25 October.
