Bridget Phillipson Takes Early Lead in Labour Deputy Leadership Race

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has taken an early lead in the race to become Labour’s deputy leader, succeeding Angela Rayner who resigned recently. Phillipson has pledged a strong commitment to workers' rights, vowing no dilution of the Employment Rights Bill amid concerns from unions and business groups. She leads a crowded field of six candidates, including Alison McGovern, Lucy Powell, Emily Thornberry, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, and Paula Barker, all vying for the deputy leadership with a threshold of 80 MP nominations required for the final ballot. Labour insiders suggest the contest may come down to Phillipson and Powell, with many MPs undecided as hustings continue. Phillipson emphasizes Labour's fight against Reform UK and the importance of uniting the party around values of equality, fairness, and social justice. Meanwhile, Lucy Powell, recently removed from her Commons leadership role, has also entered the race, focusing on representing everyday voters' hopes and fears and ensuring the Labour government delivers its mandate of change.