Lucy Powell Wins Labour Deputy Leadership Against Phillipson Amid Party Divisions

Lucy Powell has won the Labour Party's deputy leadership election, defeating Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson with 54% of the vote amid a notably low turnout of 16.6%. Powell, who was sacked from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's Cabinet in September, campaigned on a platform calling for a change in the party's direction, positioning herself as a critic from the back benches rather than a government insider. She emphasized the need to reject blaming immigration for the country's problems and instead focus on addressing economic inequalities. Powell's victory is seen as a challenge to Starmer's leadership, as she refuses a cabinet role to maintain the freedom to speak openly and advocate for a more leftward shift for Labour. Prime Minister Starmer congratulated Powell and expressed confidence in her ability to help the party deliver the change voters seek. However, Powell's election has also stirred controversy, notably due to past remarks on sensitive issues and her alignment with the party's Soft Left faction, signaling potential internal tensions ahead.