UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour MP Paula Barker says deputy leadership contest is “not truly democratic,” criticising tight timelines and online-only hustings for MPs.
As reported by The Telegraph, Paula Barker, a left-wing Labour MP who joined the deputy leadership race, called the contest’s timeline “very, very narrow.”
By Thursday, MPs must secure 80 nominations before constituency parties and unions can submit their endorsements.
What did Paula Barker say about the deputy leadership contest?
Paula Barker, who has received three nominations so far, said the contest has a “very, very narrow window of opportunity.”
She said,
“That is remiss of the party and I would hope that, no matter who the deputy leader is at the end of this process, one of the first things they do is look at our internal processes. There is definitely a need for a culture shift – the party must be far more inclusive.”
Ms Barker also slammed the decision to hold the hustings online while many MPs would be travelling back to their constituencies.
She said,
“We are on a one-line whip on Thursday which means that we don’t have to be in Parliament. So lots of colleagues will be travelling back to their constituencies at the time the hustings is taking place,” adding, “I really don’t think that that is the best democratic way for us to run this contest.”
What did Lord Blunkett say about postponing Labour’s deputy leadership race?
Labour peer and former home secretary Lord Blunkett calls for the deputy Labour leadership race to be delayed.
He urged that the contest to succeed Angela Rayner be put on hold while a “full review” of the position is completed.
Mr Blunkett said,
“Well my reaction on Sunday night, and I did ring up people and say: ‘Couldn’t we get out of this? Can’t we actually postpone?’”
He added,
“I suggested suspending the deputy leadership campaign for a full review of what the post is all about when we’re in government. What is the job description? How does it differ from the party chair? What are the two different roles here that we’re seeking to achieve?”
The Labour peer said,
“So, I’m slightly bewildered as to why there wasn’t a pause, negotiations with both the parliamentary party and the trade unions over a review, and then coming back in the future with a thought-through policy of what is this job for?”
He argued that the party’s internal splits mean the contest should not go ahead now.
Mr Blunkett added,
“I’ve been a member of the Labour Party for over 60 years, it always loves internalising, it always loves the internal campaign against each other. And we’ve really got to get off it.”
What did the Tories say about Keir Starmer’s deputy choice?
The Conservative chairman, Kevin Hollinrake, claimed that Sir Keir Starmer’s chosen candidate for deputy Labour leader is education secretary Bridget Phillipson.
He added,
“Starmer’s choice for deputy is clear – Bridget Phillipson. The candidate of the unions, not the children. She’s dismantling decades of progress that made English schools world-leading.”
Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, said,
“The only consistent strand of this Labour Government is that union demands come ahead of the needs of the country.”
She added,
“Phillipson’s education vandalism, sponsored by the unions, was never about children it was about pleasing her backers and her leadership ambitions.”
How many are running for Labour deputy leader and their nomination numbers?
After Angela Rayner’s departure as Deputy Prime Minister over tax issues, six women are contesting for the leadership race.
Their names and nomination numbers are:
- Bridget Phillipson (44 supporters)
- Lucy Powell (35 supporters)
- Bell Ribeiro-Addy (8 supporters)
- Emily Thornberry (7 supporters)
- Paula Barker (3 supporters)
- Alison McGovern (2 supporters)
How the Deputy Prime Minister is elected in the UK?
The party members and affiliated union members vote for the deputy leader via electronic or postal ballots. The election uses a single preferential system, redistributing votes until a candidate passes 50%.
The winner becomes the party deputy leader but is not automatically appointed Deputy Prime Minister. The result will be announced two days after the ballot closes.
What led to Angela Rayner’s exit?
Angela Rayner resigned after facing pressure over underpaid stamp duty. She admitted paying the wrong rate on her £800,000 Hove flat amid scrutiny of her property affairs.
After the revelations, the ex-deputy prime minister referred herself to the PM’s ethics adviser, confirming she had underpaid property tax. Experts estimate the additional bill could reach £40,000.