Rising Tensions in the Labour Deputy Leadership Race
As the Labour Party gears up for a key leadership decision, the atmosphere has soured between contenders Lucy Powell and Bridget Phillipson. With just days left until the winner is announced, accusations and counter-accusations have emerged, heavily featured in a special episode of Sky’s Electoral Dysfunction podcast, hosted by political editor Beth Rigby.
Allegations of Leaks and Briefings
Lucy Powell has vocally accused Bridget Phillipson’s team of engaging in negative campaigning—essentially "throwing mud"—against her. In her conversation with Rigby, she claimed to have never participated in any leak or briefing against her rival. Powell expressed frustration, stating that publicized negative narratives about her could well have originated from Phillipson’s side. She asserted, “I think some of these things have also come from my opponent’s team… I think they need calling out.”
Powell’s response came in light of a statement from a “Labour source” quoted by the New Statesman, which implied her past untrustworthiness led to her sacking from the cabinet. “I’m not going to get into the business of smearing and briefing against Bridget,” she emphasized, advocating for a cleaner, more respectful campaign.
Bridget Phillipson’s Defense
In response, Phillipson denied the allegations of her team leaking information, stating, “Not to my knowledge." She also revealed that she had not directly addressed the leaks with Powell, despite Powell’s claims of having communicated about the issue. This disconnect raises questions about transparency and the level of communication between the two campaigns.
Phillipson, who serves as the education secretary, also expressed concerns about the potential disruption if Powell were to take the deputy leadership. “It would be destabilising”—this sentiment underpins her argument that airing too much disagreement publicly could hinder the party’s focus on its political opponents.
The Nature of Their Leadership
The race is not only a contest of personalities but also ideologies. Powell distinguishes herself as an independent voice, highlighting her recent sacking by Sir Keir Starmer as a pivotal moment that has freed her to speak openly. “Politics is moving really, really fast. Government is very, very slow. And I think having a full-time political deputy leader right now is the political injection we need,” she argued passionately.
On the other hand, Phillipson argues that her cabinet experience positions her better to navigate the complexities of governance, emphasizing that the key trepidation for party members lies in the principle of having someone no longer active within the cabinet. This dichotomy encapsulates the broader conversation about the roles of insiders versus outsiders within party politics.
The Stakes Ahead
The result of this deputy leadership contest is set to be revealed on 25 October. The new deputy leader will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between party members and the parliamentary Labour Party, greatly influencing election campaign strategies. Significantly, unlike cabinet members, the deputy leader cannot be dismissed by the party leader, effectively granting them a unique mandate.
This leadership election was prompted by Angela Rayner’s departure amid controversy surrounding her tax affairs, further complicating the party dynamics. With both Powell and Phillipson keenly aware of the stakes, the tension between them only promises to escalate as Labour looks forward to a new strategic direction.
The shadow of these allegations and the inner party struggles portend what lies ahead for Labour, as both candidates prepare to stake their claim in shaping the party’s future in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
