Six female Labour MPs have entered the competition to succeed Angela Rayner as deputy leader. Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, emerged as an early favorite, reassuring unions that workers’ rights reforms will not be compromised. Speaking at the Trades Unions Congress conference shortly after declaring her candidacy, Phillipson emphasized her commitment to upholding the Employment Rights Bill without dilution.
Addressing union representatives in Brighton, the Houghton and Sunderland South MP affirmed her determination to deliver on the government’s promises. Despite her strong stance on workers’ rights, Phillipson faces scrutiny for potentially aligning too closely with Downing Street amid calls from MPs for attention to issues like a wealth tax and social welfare.
Competing against Phillipson are Labour veterans Dame Emily Thornberry, Lucy Powell, Alison McGovern, and left-wing MPs Paula Barker and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, who all joined the race on Tuesday. These candidates will participate in a virtual hustings to secure at least 80 MP nominations before advancing to the members’ ballot.
Phillipson, with 44 nominations, advocates for challenging Reform and champions her North East working-class roots. Thornberry, chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, stresses the importance of listening to party members and constituents, garnering 7 nominations. McGovern, the Birkenhead MP and a Housing Minister, highlights the fight against right-wing populism, supported by 2 nominations.
Powell, the Manchester Central MP, emphasizes understanding voters’ concerns and aims to unite the party, securing 35 nominations. Ribeiro-Addy, with 8 nominations, criticizes the focus on Reform and the expedited deputy leader selection process. Barker, the Liverpool Wavertree MP, advocates for returning to Labour’s core values and prioritizing public services and workers’ rights, gathering 3 nominations.
As the competition intensifies, these candidates strive to represent diverse interests within the Labour Party while navigating challenges and expectations in the pursuit of the deputy leadership role.