Home Politics Lucy Powell Elected as the New...

Lucy Powell Elected as the New Labour Deputy Leader, Urges Bold Progressive Renewal

Politics

Business Honor - Lucy Powell Named Labour Deputy Leader

Business Honor
25 October, 2025

Lucy Powell defeated Bridget Phillipson as Labour’s deputy leader, urging for unity and renewal.

The Labour Party's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, defeated Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, in a close contest that suggests a rising unhappiness among the party's base. Powell, a former Commons leader and Manchester Central MP, received 54% of the vote (87,407 ballots), while Phillipson received 73,536, and the turnout was only 16.6%.

Powell urged Labour to reclaim its "values and courage" in her victory speech, highlighting that the party could not "out-Reform Reform" because of pressure from Nigel Farage's movement. She asked the leadership to get in touch with MPs and members who have complained about laws like the two-child benefit cap. The statement she made was that "unity and loyalty come from collective purpose, not command-and-control."

Powell promised to help Labour in "taking back the political megaphone" and to be a "champion for change." "People feel this government isn't being bold enough," she continued. In addition to congratulating Powell, Keir Starmer highlighted Labour's recent difficulties after losing a Wales by-election. Starmer urged Labour to come together over "renewal and opportunity" and stated that the Conservatives and Reform were trying to lead Britain to a "very dark place."

Angela Rayner resigned last month due to unpaid stamp duty; that sparked the contest. Unlike Rayner, Powell will not be deputy prime minister; David Lammy continues to hold that role. Powell's win suggests the conflict between caution and passion in Labour. Her future and the course of British politics in the years to come could be shaped by her ability to turn her message of "hope and boldness" into actual momentum.