Lucy Powell is expected to be crowned Labour's new deputy leader when results are announced on Saturday. Polling suggested the Manchester Central MP enjoyed a healthy lead over Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson as voting closed on Thursday.
During the campaign, Powell frequently referred to "mistakes" made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to supporters this week, she appeared to criticise a "command and control" culture within Government, arguing that "blindly following along" was "a dereliction of our duty to defeat the politics of hate and division".
Rebuke to Starmer's leadership
If Powell emerges victorious, the result is likely to be seen as a rebuke to Sir Keir Starmer's (Labour) leadership from Labour members. More than half of party members now believe the party is heading in the wrong direction.
The Prime Minister has already endured a difficult week, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and capped with defeat in a Senedd by-election in Caerphilly. Labour had held the Welsh seat for a century.
Party divisions emerge
Labour's struggles in the polls have already led to questions among backbenchers about Sir Keir's leadership of the party. Powell has stressed that she wants to "help Keir and our Government to succeed" but also told supporters the party "must change how we are doing things to turn things around".
Meanwhile, Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate for the deputy leadership, has stressed unity. She warned that voting for her opponent would result in "internal debate and divisions that leads us back to opposition".
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
