Bridget Phillipson, Lucy Powell Expected Labour Deputy Leadership Showdown

The Labour Party's deputy leadership contest has narrowed to a likely showdown between Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and former Commons leader Lucy Powell, following the withdrawal of other candidates who failed to secure enough MP nominations. Phillipson, seen as the preferred candidate of Downing Street and a close ally of Sir Keir Starmer, has secured a strong lead in MP nominations. Powell, who was recently sacked from a Cabinet position and backed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, is positioning herself as the anti-government choice appealing to party members dissatisfied with the current leadership. The contest was triggered by Angela Rayner's resignation, and while the deputy leader will not hold the deputy prime minister role (now assigned to Justice Secretary David Lammy), the position remains influential within the party. Voting among Labour members is set to begin in October, with candidates needing to secure support from local parties and affiliated groups to proceed to the membership ballot. The election offers a platform for MPs and party members to express their views on the party's direction amid ongoing internal tensions.