Six Labour female Members of Parliament (MPs) are vying for the position of deputy leader following Angela Rayner’s departure. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emerged as a frontrunner, reassuring unions that there would be no compromise on workers’ rights reforms. Addressing the Trades Unions Congress conference, Phillipson affirmed her commitment to upholding the Employment Rights Bill, emphasizing her working-class background and journey to the Cabinet.
However, Phillipson faces scrutiny for potentially being aligned with Downing Street amidst MPs’ calls for government responsiveness on issues like a wealth tax, the two-child benefit cap, and the situation in Gaza.
Competing against Phillipson are veteran Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry, former Cabinet minister Lucy Powell, housing minister Alison McGovern, and left-wing MPs Paula Barker and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, all of whom joined the race on Tuesday. These candidates will participate in a virtual hustings hosted by the party to secure the necessary nominations from at least 80 MPs for inclusion on the members’ ballot.
Phillipson, with 44 nominations, pledged to challenge Reform, highlighting her journey from a council estate to the Cabinet. Thornberry, with 7 nominations, emphasized the need for reflection and responsiveness to key issues. McGovern, with 2 nominations, called for a swift demonstration of change. Powell, with 35 nominations, stressed the importance of understanding people’s concerns. Ribeiro-Addy, with 8 nominations, criticized the rushed election process and urged a return to Labour’s core values. Barker, with 3 nominations, emphasized the party’s commitment to public services and workers’ rights.
These contenders are set to compete for the deputy leader position, with nominations from MPs being finalized on Tuesday evening.