Lucy Powell expressed her gratitude to Labour supporters for electing her as the Deputy Leader of the party, emphasizing the importance of this role. She mentioned her intention to forego a return to government positions to advocate openly for the party’s direction while in office. Powell secured victory in the Labour deputy leadership contest with 54% of the vote, surpassing Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson who obtained a 46% share. In her acceptance speech, Powell emphasized the need to offer hope and implement significant changes that the country is yearning for, highlighting the importance of clarity regarding the party’s values and ideology.
The leadership contest was triggered by Angela Rayner’s resignation due to an oversight in stamp duty payment for a property purchase. Powell received 87,407 votes from the Labour Party membership and affiliates, while Phillipson garnered 73,536 votes, with a turnout of only 16.6%.
Powell acknowledged the talents and dedication of Bridget Phillipson and Angela Rayner, pledging to collaborate with them moving forward. She reiterated the crucial fight for the future of the country and democracy, emphasizing the need for the Labour Party to address rising division and discontent. Powell vowed to amplify the voices of the people within the party, stressing the importance of bold and progressive actions to fulfill the party’s promises of transformative change.
Furthermore, Powell underscored the necessity of reclaiming the political narrative and challenging divisive rhetoric, aiming to counter narratives that blame immigration for societal issues. She emphasized the Labour Party’s commitment to addressing deep-rooted inequalities and creating a fairer society for all. Powell drew inspiration from the historical achievements of Labour governments, citing examples such as the NHS, national minimum wage, and climate change legislation.
In conclusion, Powell highlighted the strength of the Labour movement, emphasizing the importance of unity and inclusivity within the party. She expressed her dedication to supporting the party’s efforts in upcoming elections and driving positive change for the country. Powell concluded by reaffirming her commitment to serving the people, the party, and the nation as the newly elected Deputy Labour Leader.