UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson says Labour must unite to beat Reform UK as she launches her deputy leadership bid against Lucy Powell amid party unrest.
As reported by The Independent, Bridget Phillipson vowed to unite Labour and take on Reform UK as she launched her deputy leadership bid.
Her rival is Lucy Powell, who was removed as Commons leader during the Cabinet reshuffle after Angela Rayner resigned as deputy leader over tax issues.
What did Bridget Phillipson promise to Labour members?
Bridget Phillipson pledged to give party members a strong voice at the Cabinet table if elected deputy leader.
She said,
“My message to Labour members is simple: I want to unite our party to deliver change so we can beat Reform at the next election and get a second Labour term.”
The Education Secretary pledged to continue Angela Rayner’s campaigning approach, stressing the party must avoid past divisions and internal rifts.
She stated,
“The path to victory runs through all of our regions and nations, towns and cities, countryside and coastlines.”
Ms Phillipson added,
“But we won’t if we’re not united. Divided parties don’t win elections. We cannot afford to hand Nigel Farage and Reform a crucial advantage with elections in Scotland, Wales and local elections right around the corner.”
How are Ms Phillipson and Ms Powell securing support in the Labour deputy race?
MPs’ backing allowed only the Education Secretary and the ousted Commons leader to advance past the initial nominations.
Candidates must now gain support from 5% of constituency parties or three affiliates, including at least two trade unions. The vote for candidates who pass nominations will run from October 8 to 23, with the winner revealed on October 25.
The race is seen as a referendum on the Prime Minister’s leadership, amid the departure of two key government figures, including Ms Rayner and Lord Mandelson, as UK ambassador to the US.
What did MPs say about Downing Street culture and Keir Starmer?
Ms Powell urged a “culture change” at Downing Street to improve ties with MPs.
She added,
“We’ve got a bit of a groupthink happening at the top, that culture of not being receptive to interrogation, not being receptive to differing views.”
MP Clive Lewis challenged Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, saying to the BBC the Prime Minister appears “not up to the job.”
Barry Gardiner warned of “toxic” resentment spreading among MPs and party members.
What did Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel say about Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership?
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel slammed Keir Starmer over Mandelson’s exit, calling the UK “unstable and unprofessional.”
She added Labour leader’s handling of Ms Rayner shows he is “incapable of standing up to scrutiny.”
What led to Angela Rayner’s departure?
Angela Rayner resigned after facing pressure from fellow MPs over tax issues. She admits underpayment of stamp duty on £800,000 seaside flat amid calls for transparency over arrangements.
Ms Rayner referred herself to the PM’s ethics adviser after confirming the extra property tax. She admitted paying the lower stamp duty rate on her Hove flat, with experts warning the bill could increase by £40,000.
Why did Keir Starmer sack Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer removes Peter Mandelson over Jeffrey Epstein links. Foreign Office minister said Mandelson failed to reveal the full extent of his ties with Epstein.
A Foreign Office spokesperson stated, ‘
“In light of the additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the prime minister has asked the foreign secretary to withdraw him as ambassador.”
They added,
“The emails show that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment. In particular, Peter Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information. In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes, he has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.”
Key details about Keir Starmer’s cabinet reshuffle
Deputy PM Angela Rayner resigned over a stamp duty breach, triggering a major cabinet reshuffle.
David Lammy became Deputy PM and Justice Secretary, Yvette Cooper moved to Foreign Secretary, and Shabana Mahmood was appointed Home Secretary, marking the first time all three Great Offices of State are held by women. The reshuffle sparked internal Labour criticism and signalled a right-wing shift.