A Rising Controversy in Labour’s Deputy Leadership Race
Lucy Powell, a former Cabinet minister and a long-time left-wing favorite within the Labour Party, is on the verge of securing the position of deputy leader. This development marks a significant challenge to Sir Keir Starmer, the party’s current leader, and signals a potential shift in the internal dynamics of the party.
Powell, who previously served as the Leader of the House of Commons, is expected to win the contest when the results are announced this Saturday. Recent polls indicated that she held a strong lead over her opponent, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, as voting concluded on Thursday. The outcome could be seen as a rebuke to Starmer from within the party, with many members feeling that the party is veering off course.
Powell’s campaign has been marked by her critiques of the party’s recent decisions, particularly regarding issues like the winter fuel allowance. She has also criticized what she describes as a “command and control” culture within the government, arguing that blindly following orders is a failure to address the politics of hate and division. Her remarks have resonated with some supporters who believe the party needs to change its approach to regain public trust.
This contest comes at a time when Starmer is already facing multiple challenges. A recent controversy surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry has led to the resignation of four women from the victims and survivors panel. They expressed concerns about the government’s handling of the investigation and the proposed expansion of the inquiry’s scope. Additionally, two candidates for chairing the inquiry withdrew after raising alarms about their backgrounds in policing and social work, areas where trust is currently low.
The week was further complicated by a loss in the Senedd by-election in Caerphilly, where Labour lost a seat it had held for a century. Starmer expressed disappointment, stating that more needed to be done to address the party’s struggles. This defeat has fueled questions among backbenchers about his leadership, adding pressure on the party to find a way forward.
Powell has emphasized her desire to support Starmer and the government but has also called for a fundamental change in how the party operates. She argues that the party must become more principled, strategic, and in touch with the communities it represents. In contrast, Phillipson, who is backed by unions and prominent figures such as Alan Johnson, has stressed the importance of unity. She warned that supporting her rival could lead to internal divisions that would weaken the party.
The contest has also drawn attention to the influence of the Momentum group, which has encouraged its members to vote tactically for Powell. While Momentum did not officially endorse her, it highlighted the broader concerns within the party about the direction of the government. Some MPs, like Luke Akehurst, have expressed reservations about the alignment between Powell and the group’s political views.
If Powell wins, it could trigger a new wave of internal conflict within Labour, especially as the party faces challenges ahead. The deputy leadership race was initiated after Angela Rayner’s resignation, which followed a breach of the ministerial code related to tax issues. Rayner admitted she did not meet the highest standards during her property purchase and took full responsibility for the error.
As the party navigates these challenges, the question remains: Will Lucy Powell’s grassroots support be enough to overcome the frontrunner, or will the internal divisions continue to threaten Labour’s unity? The outcome of this contest could shape the future of the party and its ability to respond to the growing demands of its members and the public.
