Bridget Phillipson leads Labour deputy leadership race
Bridget Phillipson has established herself as the frontrunner in the Labour deputy leadership race, garnering support from 44 colleagues as of 6pm on Tuesday. This early lead has put her ahead of other candidates vying for the position. Former Commons leader Lucy Powell closely follows with 35 nominations, while backbenchers Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Dame Emily Thornberry, and Paula Barker trail behind with eight, seven, and three nominations respectively.
Hustings event and concerns
Candidates have until Thursday at 5pm to secure the backing of 80 colleagues, leaving room for competition as only a fraction of MPs have officially nominated candidates so far. A fresh tally will be released by the Parliamentary Labour Party on Wednesday evening, allowing MPs to publicly disclose their endorsements. Housing minister Alison McGovern, currently with two nominations, has received assurance from her campaign team regarding the actual level of support behind her.
Candidates will have the opportunity to sway undecided colleagues during a hustings event on Wednesday evening, albeit concerns have been raised about its online format. With just one hour allocated for MPs to question the six contenders virtually, there are apprehensions about the event potentially descending into chaos. The logistics of the contest have also been questioned, with some expressing discomfort with the tight timeframe and online nature of the hustings.
Criticism and challenges
Bell Ribeiro-Addy and others have criticized the contest’s rules, particularly the short window for securing 80 nominations. The process requires successful candidates to then garner support from either 5% of Constituency Labour Parties or three affiliated organizations, including two trade unions. The final stage will involve a vote by all party members and affiliated supporters, with results expected on October 25.
The timeline for the deputy leadership race, set by Labour’s National Executive Committee, aims to ensure a fair and efficient process. However, concerns linger among MPs and ministers who prioritize avoiding distractions from governmental priorities.
Conclusion
As the Labour deputy leadership race intensifies, candidates are making their pitches and positioning themselves within the party. The resignation of former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner initiated the contest, prompting calls for a Northern female replacement. With a diverse field of candidates, the race is expected to unfold in the coming weeks leading up to the final decision on October 25.