Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson launched her bid for Labour's deputy leadership on Sunday with a pledge to take on Reform UK with a "mandate to do more". Speaking to supporters in Sunderland, the Houghton and Sunderland South MP positioned herself as the candidate to unite the party and secure a second term for Labour.
Phillipson urged members to focus on the future rather than dwelling on recent upheavals. "You can use this contest to look backward, to pass judgment on what has happened in the last year, or you can use it to shape positively what happens in the run-up to the next election," she said.
"Back me so I can unite our party, deliver the change we want to see and beat Reform. Back me so, together, we can deliver that second term of Labour Government," she told supporters.
Personal Journey and Campaign Tone
The Education Secretary drew on her personal backstory "from a tough street of council houses in the North East all the way to the Cabinet" and promised to run a campaign of "hope, not grievance". She pledged to use her position to give members a "strong voice" at the Cabinet table.
Phillipson committed to continuing the active campaigning role previously held by Angela Rayner, who resigned from the deputy leadership over her tax affairs. "What can be achieved under a deputy leader with a seat at Cabinet, just look at Angela Rayner. Angela knew the importance of the role she had. There was nothing part-time about her deputy leadership," she said.
Competition and Process
Phillipson faces competition from Lucy Powell (Labour), her former Cabinet colleague who lost her position as Commons leader in the reshuffle following Rayner's resignation. Both candidates successfully secured enough support from fellow MPs to advance past the first round of nominations.
The candidates must now secure support from five per cent of constituency parties or at least three affiliates, including at least two affiliated trade unions. The ballot will open on October 8th and close at noon on October 23rd, with the winner announced on October 25th.
Political Context
The contest is being viewed by some as a referendum on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's (Labour) leadership, which has faced pressure following the departure of Rayner and Lord Mandelson within a week. Powell has called for a "change of culture" at Downing Street to make it better connected to MPs.
Speculation has emerged about Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's potential leadership ambitions, particularly after he backed a new Labour group called Mainstream launched this week as a "home for Labour's radical realists". However, an ally of Burnham reportedly rejected suggestions he is laying foundations for a future leadership bid.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle indicated his support for Phillipson when questioned on Sunday morning, whilst Burnham has backed Powell. Phillipson is seen as the Government's preferred choice for the deputy leadership role.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
