The race to succeed Angela Rayner as Labour’s deputy leader intensified on Tuesday, as Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, senior backbencher Dame Emily Thornberry, and former Commons leader Lucy Powell all declared their candidacies.
The trio join Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, who announced her bid on Monday evening. Liverpool Wavertree MP Paula Barker has also signalled she is “definitely considering” entering the contest.
Rayner resigned last week after admitting she underpaid tax on the sale of an £800,000 flat in Hove. Her departure set off a fast-moving leadership race, with party bosses giving candidates until Thursday evening to secure at least 80 MP nominations to make the ballot. Those who qualify must also gain the backing of 5% of local parties or three affiliated groups, including two trade unions. The new deputy leader will be chosen by Labour members, with the result due on 25 October.
Phillipson, launching her bid, said she would bring “determination to every battle ahead” as a “proud working-class woman from the North East.” She framed her candidacy as part of Labour’s fight against the rise of Reform UK, adding: “I’ve shown we can beat Farage in the North East, while staying true to Labour’s values of equality, fairness and social justice.”
Powell, who was dismissed as Leader of the House of Commons last week, said she was standing after receiving “much encouragement.” Rooting her campaign in her Manchester background, she pledged to “bring together all parts of the party and unite our broad voter coalition.”
Dame Emily, a veteran MP for Islington South and Finsbury, said she would not simply “nod along” with the leadership. “We fought hard for a Labour government, but we’ve made mistakes and must listen,” she wrote on social media. She highlighted welfare reform, Gaza, special educational needs, and a wealth tax as her key priorities.
Ribeiro-Addy, a left-wing backbencher, has criticised the compressed nomination process as “absolutely unfair” and argued that members want a wider debate about the party’s direction. She has previously defied the leadership on welfare cuts and the decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, raising doubts about her ability to win sufficient MP support to progress in the contest.
So far, no male candidates have entered the race, with some senior figures, including former deputy leader Harriet Harman, saying the post should remain in female hands. The contest comes as Labour prepares for its annual conference later this month, where hustings will be held.
Regardless of the outcome, David Lammy will remain deputy prime minister — a position appointed by the prime minister and separate from the deputy leadership role decided by party members.
