Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has officially entered the race to become Labour’s deputy leader, making her the most senior figure to put her name forward so far.
She joins Clapham and Brixton Hill MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy, who is currently the only other declared candidate in the contest to replace Angela Rayner.
Lucy Powell, who was sacked last week as leader of the House of Commons, is widely expected to announce her candidacy soon. Meanwhile, foreign affairs committee chair Emily Thornberry has said she’s considering a run. Former transport secretary Louise Haigh and Tooting MP Rosena Allin-Khan have both ruled themselves out.
Candidates have until Thursday evening to secure at least 80 nominations from Labour MPs to qualify. They also need support from either 5% of local party branches or three Labour-affiliated groups, including two trade unions. If they pass that hurdle, party members will vote, with the winner announced on October 25.
Some members have already criticized the short, three-day nomination window set by Labour officials on Monday. Ribeiro-Addy, a left-wing backbencher, called the process “absolutely unfair” and argued it doesn’t reflect what members want. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she said the party needed to face hard questions about “what’s gone wrong,” pointing to discontent over Labour’s stance on Gaza, winter fuel allowances, and welfare cuts.
Announcing her own campaign, Phillipson described herself as a “proud working-class woman from the North East” and said she was ready to fight against the rise of Reform. “I’ve shown we can beat Farage in the North East while staying true to Labour’s values of equality, fairness and social justice,” she said.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, asked about the contest on BBC Breakfast, said he hadn’t yet decided who to support. He noted that deputy leadership races normally follow an election defeat, but this one is happening while Labour is in government, with a focus on delivering on campaign promises.
No matter who wins, David Lammy will remain deputy prime minister, since that role is appointed by the prime minister rather than chosen by Labour members.
