Lucy Powell, MP for Manchester Central, has been elected Labour’s new deputy leader, defeating Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson by nearly 14,000 votes in a contest triggered by Angela Rayner’s resignation.
Powell secured 87,407 votes (54%) on a 16.6% turnout, campaigning on giving grassroots members more influence and calling for a “course correction” in government. She promised to be “bolder” and a “champion for Labour values,” while supporting Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Powell replaces Rayner in a party-only role after Starmer appointed David Lammy as deputy prime minister. She will sit on Labour’s National Executive Committee and serve as campaigner-in-chief ahead of next year’s local and devolved elections.
Backed by figures such as Andy Burnham, Powell gained momentum despite Phillipson’s early lead and wider support among MPs and unions.
Powell also made reference to "mistakes" made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance, and the now-Deputy Prime Minister did not shy away from criticising party leadership. In her victory speech, Lucy Powell said Labour "must change how we are doing things to turn things around".
...Labour must change how we are doing things to turn things around."
Lucy Powell, Labour Deputy Leader
Her election comes amid a turbulent period for Labour, marked by controversy over the grooming gangs inquiry, a by-election defeat in Wales, and growing pressure from Reform UK, leaving Powell to help steady the party before Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ upcoming Budget.
It also comes at a time when Labour are losing seats in constituencies previously considered 'safe'. Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, acknowledged the party's defeat in Caerphilly was a "bad result" and one which was a reminder of crucial lessons for the party going forward.
Powell also said the Government must listen to a greater diversity of voices within the party, stressing a need for the party to become "bolder". She also made reference to the increasing popularity of Nigel Farage's Reform UK, and that the party could not win support by "trying to 'out-Reform' Reform".
With local, Senedd and Holyrood elections looming in 2026, Bridget Phillipson stressed that the party must now come together to fight the growing threat of Reform. Powell and Starmer both reinforced this message following Powell's victory, that they are at least united in the fight against rising interest in Reform.
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