Lucy Powell has called on Labour to be bolder after winning the party’s deputy leadership contest triggered by Angela Rayner’s resignation last month.
Powell defeated education secretary Bridget Phillipson in the final vote, securing the second-most senior position in the party.
In her victory speech, Powell vowed to “wrestle back the political megaphone”, arguing Labour had allowed Nigel Farage and other rivals to dominate national debate.
She warned that the party must sharpen its message and speak with greater confidence if it wants to retain public trust.
Phillipson congratulated her opponent but admitted she was “disappointed to have lost”, adding that she remained proud of the campaign she ran.
Prime Minister, Keir Starmer welcomed the result, describing Powell as a proud defender of Labour values who would help drive the party’s agenda in government.
The Conservatives, however, seized on the outcome, with Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake claiming Starmer won’t have the backbone to stand up to his new deputy.
Analysts say Labour’s leadership will be quietly relieved. Powell’s modest winning margin suggests dissatisfaction inside the party remains limited, and does not represent a major revolt against Starmer’s direction.
