Bridget Phillipson is leading the pack in Labour’s deputy leadership race, securing 44 nominations from her fellow MPs. As the current Education Secretary, she’s got big support already, pushing Lucy Powell, with 35 nominations, into second place. The competition is on to find a successor to Angela Rayner, amid a backdrop of political intrigue and the ticking clock of a Thursday 5pm nomination deadline. Phillipson, hailing from a single-parent home in the North East, has pledged to tackle challenges head-on, boasting a history of standing up to powerful interests in education.
She is ready for what she describes as the fight against Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, stating confidently that she’s proven Labour can triumph in the North East. Phillipson’s campaign is deeply rooted in Labour’s core values, advocating for equality, fairness, and social justice. Meanwhile, Alison McGovern, with just two nominations, emphasises the need for Labour to defend against right-wing populism and deliver on their election promises.
Lucy Powell, who served under Sir Keir Starmer, aims to unite the Labour Party around the everyday hopes and fears of the electorate. She’s joined on the candidate list by Bell Ribeiro-Addy, who staked her claim early, calling for Labour to return to its foundational values.
While the race unfolds, there’s a spirited push for the next deputy leader to be a woman from northern England, potentially giving candidates like Phillipson and Powell an edge. Meanwhile, the swift nomination process has sparked accusations of unfairness, with some viewing it as orchestrated.
With just a short window left, who will secure enough support to continue onto the next round? Stay tuned for more updates as the story develops.