Labour Faces Deputy Leadership Race Amid Support Leak to Reform UK

The Labour Party is facing significant challenges ahead of the next election, with internal debates about its direction and strategy. Despite government claims of regulatory reform, Labour denies aiming to deregulate broadly, instead focusing on upgrading regulations to support growth without compromising industry standards. The party is losing support to Nigel Farage's Reform UK and other smaller parties, spurring union leaders to urge Labour to take a stronger stance on economic and migration issues and to reconnect with working-class voters. The resignation of deputy leader Angela Rayner and the subsequent leadership reshuffle highlight internal uncertainty, with calls for Labour to clarify its vision amid criticisms that it has been too centrist and uninspiring. Meanwhile, Labour's relationship with Te Pāti Māori remains uncertain following a controversial post by a Māori Party MP, complicating potential post-election alliances and signaling the need for Labour to work harder to regain trust in Māori electorates. Overall, Labour is urged to be bolder and more transformative to prevent further erosion of support and to present a clear alternative to populist right-wing parties.