Seven weeks ago, Angela Rayner stepped down as the deputy leader of the Labour Party, setting off an unwanted internal competition within the party.
The announcement of her successor will take place today at a modest event at Labour’s headquarters. The chair of the National Executive Committee (NEC), Shabana Mahmood, who also serves as the Home Secretary, will reveal the winner at 10 am.
While there will be no grand members’ conference, the winner will have the opportunity to deliver a brief speech. Keir Starmer is expected to offer congratulatory remarks.
Recent polls among party members suggest that Lucy Powell, the MP for Manchester Central, is likely to be appointed as the new deputy leader. She currently holds a significant lead over her opponent, Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary.
Although Phillipson’s campaign remains optimistic about their chances, citing support from union affiliates, they are aiming for an unexpected victory. They emphasize Phillipson’s accomplishments in the government, such as advocating for free school breakfasts and expanding free school meals.
Despite being perceived as the preferred candidate by No10, Phillipson’s campaign sees this as an ironic twist, given the previous speculations about her potential dismissal. Some MPs have expressed indifference towards the deputy leader position, suggesting its irrelevance with David Lammy already appointed as Deputy Prime Minister.
A victory for Powell is anticipated to send a strong message to Downing Street, signaling the need for change. Powell has emphasized her role as a full-time deputy leader without the constraints of a Cabinet position.
Downing Street insiders have expressed concerns about Powell potentially causing controversies with her statements. Both candidates in the leadership race agree on the necessity to eliminate the two-child benefit limit introduced during the Tory era.
If the upcoming Budget does not address the removal of this policy, tensions may arise between Starmer and the newly elected deputy leader.