Harriet Harman emphasized the importance of selecting a woman from outside London as Angela Rayner’s successor for Labour’s deputy leader position. She noted that the new deputy should complement the Prime Minister rather than provide a contrasting viewpoint. Harman stressed the significance of diversifying leadership by including a female deputy alongside a male Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
The race to replace Rayner commenced with MPs vying for nominations in a swift six-week contest. The National Executive Committee agreed on a deadline of October 25 for appointing a new deputy leader. Candidates must secure support from at least 80 fellow MPs by Thursday to enter the contest. Bell Ribeiro-Addy has declared her candidacy, while Dame Emily Thornberry is contemplating a run.
Lucy Powell, Anneliese Dodds, Stella Creasy, and Rosena Allin-Khan are being encouraged to consider running for the deputy leader role. Housing Minister Alison McGovern did not rule out entering the contest.
Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, confirmed she would not run for deputy leader, citing her current responsibilities. Louise Haigh and Dawn Butler also opted out of the race. The stringent nomination requirement may hinder left-leaning figures from appearing on the ballot.
Keir Starmer addressed MPs at the Parliamentary Labour Party meeting following his recent Cabinet reshuffle. The Prime Minister is expected to remain neutral in the deputy leadership election.