Lucy Powell (Labour) has hit back at "sexist" attempts to frame Labour's deputy leadership contest as a proxy battle between men rather than a competition between two capable women.
The Manchester Central MP is running against Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to succeed Angela Rayner, who resigned after underpaying stamp duty on her seaside flat. Some Westminster observers view the race as a clash between Keir Starmer (Labour), who reportedly backs Phillipson, and Andy Burnham, who supports his Manchester ally Powell.
Powell fights gender stereotypes
Powell told the Manchester Evening News the framing was "classic Westminster bubble" thinking. "A contest between two strong women being turned into a proxy context for two men. I think it's, quite frankly, sexist."
"Woe betide anyone who wants to try and tell me that I'm subservient to some other man," she added. "I'm probably more alpha male than most men I know."
The contest comes after difficult weeks for Starmer, whose promised reset collapsed with Rayner's departure and the loss of US ambassador Peter Mandelson, triggering alarm among Labour MPs.
Burnham return speculation intensifies
Speculation has intensified about Burnham potentially mounting a leadership challenge if Starmer fails. According to the Express, Andrew Gwynne's Gorton and Denton seat, with its 13,000-plus majority, has been identified as a potential route for Burnham's return to Parliament.
The Daily Mail reports that Reform UK is polling first or second in several Manchester seats, making any return particularly risky for the Greater Manchester Mayor. However, a close Burnham ally dismissed leadership speculation as "pure speculation with no substance".
The Daily Mail also reports that No 10 has been actively lobbying MPs against Powell, with officials claiming "Lucy would hand victory to Reform".
Government unity warning
Phillipson warned today that "divided parties don't win elections" as Labour faces upcoming elections in Scotland, Wales and local contests. Writing for the Mirror, she said: "We cannot afford to hand Nigel Farage and Reform a crucial advantage."
Powell acknowledged Labour had made "too many unforced errors and mistakes" but maintained loyalty to Starmer. She said her role wouldn't involve "a running commentary on the government" but insisted the party shouldn't "shy away from having this conversation right now because clearly there are things that aren't working".
Cross-party support for gender focus
Labour grandee Harriet Harman supported Powell's stance on gender politics. Writing in the Sunday Mirror, Harman said: "This contest should not be a proxy fight between two men, Andy and Keir. It is between two women, both of whom are dynamic and inspiring. This time it's not about the men. Let the best woman win!"
Sources used: "Mirror", "Manchester Evening News", "Sunday Mirror", "Express", "Daily Mail" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
