Labour Deputy Leadership Race Begins with Multiple Candidates

Labour's deputy leadership race is underway following Angela Rayner's resignation, with candidates needing the support of 20% of Labour MPs and backing from affiliated trade unions or constituency parties to qualify. Key contenders include Dame Emily Thornberry, who has emphasized the need for the party to listen and address issues like welfare and Gaza, and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who positions herself as a working-class champion ready to confront political challenges. Other potential candidates mentioned are Rosena Allin-Khan, Lisa Nandy, Alison McGovern, Louise Haigh, and Lucy Powell, although some, like Shabana Mahmood, have ruled themselves out. The contest's timetable includes securing nominations by late September and a member ballot in October, with the winner set to be announced on October 25. The race reflects a broader tension within Labour between different factions, with a general preference emerging for a deputy leader from outside London and likely a woman, to balance leadership dynamics. The Labour National Executive Committee is formalizing the rules and timeline for this high-stakes contest amid ongoing party efforts to move past recent controversies and unify ahead of future challenges.