Lucy Powell is being advocated for a Cabinet position by Harriet Harman if she emerges victorious in the Labour Deputy leadership contest. Harman, a former Labour party chair, emphasized the expectation of members for the deputy to have a Cabinet role, citing Gordon Brown’s immediate appointment of her in 2007. In a piece for The Sunday Mirror, Harman lauded both Powell and her competitor Bridget Phillipson’s capabilities for the role, while expressing regret over Angela Rayner’s departure.
Both Powell and Phillipson are vying to take over from Rayner, who recently resigned as Deputy Prime Minister amidst a dispute over underpaid stamp duty tax. Harman stressed the party’s anticipation for the deputy to be part of the top team in a Labour government, recalling her swift inclusion in the Cabinet by Gordon Brown upon winning the deputy leadership.
Regarding Powell’s current absence from the Cabinet, Harman hopes Keir Starmer would extend an offer for a Cabinet seat if Powell clinches the Deputy position. Harman advised the eventual winner to take charge in all upcoming elections, particularly highlighting the significance of the 2026 electoral year for the party.
The announcement of the winner, either Powell or the Education Secretary Phillipson, is set for October 25. Harman encouraged the victor to engage in extensive campaign visits across the country and maintain a positive relationship with the defeated candidate, fostering unity within the Labour Party.