Lucy Powell expressed her gratitude to the Labour supporters for electing her as the party’s Deputy Leader, emphasizing the significant responsibility that comes with the role. She stated her intention to decline a return to government duties to have the freedom to openly address the party’s direction while in office. Powell secured victory in the Labour deputy leadership contest with 54% of the votes, surpassing Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson who garnered 46% of the votes. In her victory speech, Powell underscored the necessity for the party to provide hope and instigate substantial changes that the nation is yearning for, emphasizing the importance of aligning with Labour’s core values and beliefs.
Powell highlighted the prevailing sentiment that the current government lacks the boldness required to fulfill its promises of transformative change. The deputy leader’s election followed the resignation of Angela Rayner due to a stamp duty oversight, with Powell securing 87,407 votes from Labour Party members and affiliates, while Phillipson received 73,536 votes, albeit with a low turnout of 16.6%.
In her acceptance speech, Powell expressed her appreciation for her fellow candidates and committed to honoring the trust placed in her by party members and supporters. She applauded Bridget Phillipson for her talent and dedication and paid tribute to Angela Rayner for her contributions to the party. Powell affirmed her dedication to supporting Keir Starmer in the party’s mission to address the rising divisions and discontent in society, emphasizing the need for progressive politics to positively impact people’s lives.
Powell emphasized the importance of reclaiming the narrative from divisive figures like Farage and redirecting the focus toward addressing systemic inequalities and improving the lives of ordinary citizens. She reiterated the Labour Party’s historical commitment to championing social reforms, citing past achievements such as the NHS, national minimum wage, and climate change legislation. Powell pledged to prioritize unity within the party, recognizing members and affiliates as vital assets in driving meaningful change at the grassroots level.
Looking ahead to upcoming elections in England, Scotland, and Wales, Powell stressed the importance of building a broad consensus rather than engaging in divisive tactics. She reiterated her dedication to working tirelessly to effect the change that British voters sought in the previous election, emphasizing her commitment to serving the country and the Labour Party.