UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour’s Emily Thornberry warns party deputy leadership race is crucial, urging party to listen to MPs as Reform UK rises in polls.
As reported by The Independent, Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that the deputy leadership contest could shape the government’s direction, with Labour under growing pressure from the influence of Nigel Farage’s Reform Party.
Labour MP Emily Thornberry and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the Prime Minister must engage with his backbenchers as Nigel Farage rises in the polls, or risk Reform UK winning the next general election.
What did Dame Emily Thornberry say about Labour’s mistakes and Nigel Farage’s rise?
Dame Emily Thornberry has indicated she may stand for deputy leadership after Angela Rayner resigned over a £40,000 unpaid stamp duty error on her Hove flat.
She warned that Labour faces “the fight of our lives” in the next election against Nigel Farage.
Ms Thornberry stated,
“The last thing we want is to go from a position where we thought we would be in for two terms, to hand our country over to Farage.”
Ms Thornberry praised Sir Keir Starmer for restoring Britain’s international standing and highlighted domestic reforms, including the strengthening of workers’ rights.
She stated,
“But nobody seems to be hearing about that. They hear about the mistakes, and the question is, why are we making these mistakes?”
When questioned why, she responded,
“I think it’s not listening to people of goodwill who want the party to succeed. I think we need to do more of that, because I think that the answers are out there, but I think that we need to continue to listen and learn from the public.”
What did Andy Burnham say about Labour’s deputy leadership contest and party reset?
The Greater Manchester Mayor emphasised that MPs should be valued and respected as the party progresses.
He stated,
“That is the debate we should have during the deputy leadership contest. I would say more broadly that it also needs to be a bit of a reset for the government.”
Mr Burnham said he was “concerned about the balance” of Sir Keir’s cabinet after the weekend’s urgent reshuffle, and that “we need to use the contest to discuss some of those things.”
He said,
“It is right to have a discussion about the internal management of the Labour Party. And in a time where the scale and the nature of the challenge we face is such as it is, you need everybody pulling together, all parts of the party pulling together.”
Mr Burham said,
“And that points to a party management style that is less factional and more pluralistic. Labour MPs need to listen to them more and respect them more.”
He said he would like to see a northern MP appointed as deputy Labour leader.
The mayor proposed Louise Haigh or Lucy Powell, who once held cabinet positions and now sit on the backbenches, for deputy Labour leader.
What did John Healey say about the deputy leadership race and David Lammy’s Position?
The Defence Secretary said David Lammy’s position as deputy prime minister does not make him the favoured candidate for the deputy leadership contest.
When questioned about Mr Lammy’s appointment, Mr Healy said it does not imply he is the Prime Minister’s choice for deputy leader, stating, “No, it doesn’t.”
He added,
“They’re two separate jobs, two very important jobs. The deputy leader of the Labour Party is an important job and an important vote for Labour Party members.”
Richard Burgon’s views on the Labour deputy leadership contest
Reports suggest Sir Keir Starmer may encourage his new home secretary to run in the deputy leadership contest to counter potential left-wing challengers.
The deputy leadership race is likely to see left-wing MPs rally around a candidate, with the outcome seen as a test of the PM’s authority.
Richard Burgon, a left-wing MP, warned the deputy leadership race should not be manipulated, stressing “members must not be sidelined.”
Key facts about Keir Starmer’s Cabinet reshuffle
David Lammy was appointed Deputy Prime Minister, replacing Angela Rayner, while retaining his role as Justice Secretary. Yvette Cooper moved from Home Secretary to Foreign Secretary, taking over from Lammy, and Shabana Mahmood was promoted from Justice Secretary to Home Secretary, becoming the first Muslim woman in the role.
Steve Reed shifted from Environment Secretary to Housing Secretary, Douglas Alexander replaced Ian Murray as Scotland Secretary, and Lucy Powell was removed as Leader of the House of Commons. Ellie Reeves was replaced as Labour Party Chair by Anna Turley and became Solicitor General.