Lucy Powell Launches Labour Deputy Leadership Bid Post-Sacking

Lucy Powell, recently sacked from Keir Starmer's cabinet, has announced her candidacy for deputy leader of the Labour Party, joining other contenders such as Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, and Dame Emily Thornberry. Powell, a close ally of Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, has expressed determination to unite the party and champion progressive Labour values in response to challenges including the threat from Reform UK. The deputy leadership contest was triggered by Angela Rayner's resignation following issues with unpaid stamp duty, and there is significant pressure for the next deputy leader to be a woman from outside London to broaden the leadership's appeal. Baroness Harman emphasized the need for a female deputy leader, noting the importance of gender balance alongside Prime Minister Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy. The election is seen as a critical moment for Labour to address internal divisions and strengthen its mandate amid public concerns about economic direction and leadership clarity. Labour MPs have until Thursday to secure nominations, with the party's national executive committee setting the election timetable.