UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour deputy contender Lucy Powell warns the party risks losing London voters to left-wing and Reform UK, urging unity to protect support.
As reported by The Standard, Lucy Powell warned that Labour risks losing London voters to Reform UK and independents without party unity.
What did Lucy Powell say about Labour losing votes in London?
Lucy Powell, contesting Labour deputy leadership against Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, warned the party risks losing votes at both ends of the political landscape.
The former cabinet minister said, “In London in particular, we are actually losing more support to the left progressive vote. We have to unite our voter coalition. Not just try and tack one way or the other.”
Ms Powell campaigned in Lewisham over the weekend, saying many traditional Labour supporters are frustrated with the Government’s actions since taking office last July.
She said voters are worried about the economy and whether Government policies truly serve ordinary people’s interests.
The Manchester Central MP stated cities like London and Manchester rely on multiple generations of workers, but she acknowledged frustrations over immigration, especially regarding housing.
Ms Powell said,
“People worry about the impact of immigration… We need a stronger story to tell on security, on the economy and on jobs.”
She urged the government to end the two-child benefit cap, suggesting higher taxes on gambling firms to cover the cost.
Ms Powell said,
“We face big elections next year in councils across our London. In many parts of the capital we face a big threat from the Lib Dems, the Green Party and other Independents to our left, in other parts, particularly in outer London to Reform.”
She stated,
“What’s clear is that we need to tell the story of whose side we are on and offer hope. Tacking one way or the other won’t help us rebuild our coalition across London and the country and win.”
Ms Powell added,
“We have to tell a better story of the hope and change Labour governments bring, improving the NHS, tackling the cost of living and cracking down on crime. I get the challenge Labour faces and as a full time deputy leader I would be best placed to meet it.”
She was removed as Commons leader in Sir Keir Starmer’s reshuffle, is appealing to Labour’s left to set herself apart from rival Phillipson, seen as Number 10’s pick.
What recent election results reveal about Labour’s support in London?
In the last general election, Labour secured 59 of London’s 75 parliamentary seats and controls 21 of the city’s 32 councils. However, recent votes in the capital show Labour’s support is weakening.
The party is losing ground in London to pro-Palestine independents, Greens, and Liberal Democrats.
In Westminster, Labour’s local majority has shrunk after defections and by-election losses to the Tories.
Over the summer, Reform UK secured its first London council seat, with Liam Conlon warning about shifting voter patterns for Labour.
Labour suspended seven MPs, including John McDonnell and Apsana Begum, for supporting a motion to overturn the two-child benefit rule limiting parental support.
Bridget Phillipson’s pledge to workers’ rights if elected
Bridget Phillipson pledged to safeguard the government’s employment rights bill if elected Labour deputy leader.
She said she would assume Angela Rayner’s work as the “unions’ champion” in Keir Starmer’s cabinet and personally drive forward the employment rights agenda.
The education secretary added,
“As deputy leader I would personally grab the employment rights reform that Angela long pushed for to ensure it is enacted in full and not watered down. No ifs or buts. I will work with every single trade union rep in our country to ensure this crucial legislation sees the light of day to deliver change for working people. From no more exploitative zero-hours contracts to securing day one rights and fair pay for a fair day’s work.”
Which unions back Lucy Powell and Bridget Phillipson in Labour deputy race?
The Communication Workers Union is set to support Powell, who also has backing from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, ministers Ed Miliband and Lisa Nandy, and Disability Labour.
She has also secured support from Walthamstow, Dulwich and West Norwood, Brent East, West Lewisham, and East Dulwich Labour Constituency Parties.
The Musicians’ Union, Community Union, and National Union of Mineworkers have endorsed Phillipson, while major unions like Unison, GMB, and Unite have not yet declared.
Key dates for the Labour Deputy Leader election
Nominations for Labour deputy leader close on September 15, the final day for candidates to secure MP backing. Eligible members must be fully paid-up by September 8 to vote.
Voting opens on October 8 and closes on October 23, with all ballots due by noon. The winner will be announced at a special event on October 25.