Lucy Powell has been elected as Labour’s deputy leader, defeating Bridget Phillipson. Powell stated that the party cannot win by attempting to “out-Reform Reform.” Previously serving as Commons leader until her removal in Keir Starmer’s September reshuffle, Powell was considered the frontrunner in the race. She secured 87,407 votes, or 54% of the total, while Phillipson received 73,536. Voter turnout among eligible members was 16.6%.
The outcome, announced on Saturday, was widely viewed as a referendum on Labour’s direction under Starmer. Phillipson, the education secretary, was seen as the preferred candidate of Downing Street.
Both candidates advocated for ending the two-child benefit cap, a policy that sparked a parliamentary rebellion shortly after Labour took office and remains unpopular with party members.
In her victory speech attended by Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Powell hinted at government shortcomings and argued that Labour had not been assertive enough in countering Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. She urged the leadership to heed the views of members and MPs, several of whom have lost party privileges for rebelling on issues like welfare spending and the two-child benefit cap.
“Our members and elected representatives are not a weakness; they are our key asset in delivering change on the ground,” Powell said. “Unity and loyalty stem from shared purpose, not command-and-control. Debate, listening, and understanding are not dissent—they are our strength.”
She emphasized the need to offer hope and significant change, stating, “We must clearly convey our purpose, whose side we’re on, and our Labour values. That’s what I’ve heard clearly across the country in recent weeks.”
Powell added that while the government is doing many good things, people feel it lacks boldness in delivering promised changes. She pledged to champion Labour values and bold action in all endeavors, starting with reclaiming the political narrative and setting a stronger agenda.
“Let’s be honest, we’ve allowed Farage and his allies to dominate the conversation,” she noted.
She highlighted rising division, widespread discontent, and a palpable desire for change, urging Labour to step forward as the party of government. “We have one chance to prove that progressive, mainstream politics can genuinely improve lives,” Powell asserted.
Starmer congratulated Powell on her win and acknowledged Labour’s challenges, following the party’s loss of a Welsh parliament seat to Plaid Cymru. He referenced comments by Conservative MP Katie Lam, who suggested revoking the right to stay for many legally residing in the UK to create a more “culturally coherent” society. Starmer warned that the Conservatives and Reform aim to lead Britain to a “very dark place.”
“Our duty is to unite everyone opposed to such politics and defeat it decisively,” Starmer declared. “The recent result in Wales is a reminder that people need to see tangible change in their communities, opportunities for their children, rebuilt public services, and action on the cost-of-living crisis.”
The election result was tighter than anticipated; a Survation poll had projected Powell would receive 58% of the vote. The 16.6% turnout was notably low.The turnout was significantly lower than the 58.8% recorded in the last deputy leadership election in 2020. A total of 970,642 members and union affiliates were eligible to vote.
The contest became increasingly contentious over the past six weeks. Last weekend, Powell was labeled “the Momentum candidate,” while Phillipson claimed in an interview that her rival would lead the party to lose the election.
The vote was triggered when Angela Rayner resigned last month after it was discovered she had underpaid stamp duty on a house purchase in Brighton. Speaking in the Commons this week for the first time since stepping down following a report by the prime minister’s ethics adviser, Laurie Magnus, Rayner told MPs she would pay “any taxes owed.”
Unlike Rayner, Powell will not become deputy prime minister, as the role has already been assigned to David Lammy. Powell is viewed as closely aligned with Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, who was accused of essentially launching a leadership bid ahead of the party’s conference last month.
Throughout the campaign, Powell often mentioned “mistakes” made by the party on issues like the winter fuel allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Lucy Powells election as deputy leader of the Labour Party designed to be clear concise and helpful
General Beginner Questions
1 Who is Lucy Powell
Lucy Powell is a British Labour Party politician who has been the Member of Parliament for Manchester Central since 2012
2 What is the deputy leader of the Labour Party
The deputy leader is the secondhighest ranking elected official in the party They support the leader often stand in for them and help shape the partys strategy and direction
3 When was Lucy Powell elected as deputy leader
Lucy Powell was elected as deputy leader by her fellow Labour MPs on July 5 2024 following the partys general election victory
4 Who did she replace
She replaced Angela Rayner who held the position from 2020 until she became Deputy Prime Minister
5 How is the deputy leader chosen
In this specific case the deputy leader was elected by a vote of all Labour Members of Parliament as the partys rules allow for this method when a vacancy occurs between full partywide elections
Role Responsibilities
6 What will Lucy Powell actually do as deputy leader
Her key roles will include supporting the Prime Minister and party leader Keir Starmer representing the party in the media and at events helping to manage the partys internal operations and deputizing for the leader when necessary
7 Does the deputy leader have a specific job in the government
Not automatically The role of party deputy leader is separate from a government ministerial position However Lucy Powell has also been appointed as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster a senior Cabinet role that involves overseeing government policy and implementation
8 What are her main priorities in this new role
While her full agenda will be outlined by her her initial focus is likely on party unity supporting the delivery of the governments legislative program and acting as a key link between the Prime Minister and the parliamentary party
Context Significance
9 Why is her election significant
Its significant because she is a senior and experienced figure from the partys centrist wing indicating a focus on stability and experience as Labour begins its term in government Her close working relationship with Keir Starmer is also seen as a
