PM Under Scrutiny for Alleged 'Fixed Contest' in the Struggle to Fill Rayner's Position - Initial Competitor Steps In
Labour's Deputy Leader Race Kicks Off
The race to replace Angela Rayner as Labour's deputy leader is officially underway, with several MPs expressing interest in the position. The process for electing the new deputy leader will commence on Saturday 13 September and conclude on Saturday 27 September.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, is hosting his new-look cabinet today, and it remains unclear if a Starmer loyalist will put themselves forward for the deputy leader position. Housing minister Alison McGovern, who represents Birkenhead near Liverpool, has not ruled herself out.
One MP who has ruled herself out of the race is Louise Haigh. Ms Haigh, who was forced to resign after it emerged she pleaded guilty to a criminal offence, said she would not stand. Instead, she prefers to stay on the backbenches to speak plainly and campaign boldly.
Another potential candidate is Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, from Sunderland, who is on the brink of entering the race. Lucy Powell, the MP for Manchester Central, is being encouraged to stand and is reportedly taking soundings after being approached by colleagues. Ms Powell was sacked in the cabinet reshuffle last week.
The Socialist Campaign Group has coalesced around one candidate, Bell Ribeiro-Addy. Ms Ribeiro-Addy has announced her candidacy for Labour's deputy leader. It is worth noting that she was previously sacked as trade envoy.
The successful candidates will appear on the ballot for a vote of all party members and affiliated party supporters. The ballot will open on Wednesday 8 October and close on Thursday 23 October at 12pm. Hopefuls have until Thursday to secure the backing of 80 of their colleagues to enter the race.
It is important to note that either a minister entering and losing the race could be a huge blow to Sir Keir's authority, as the result would widely be seen as a referendum on his leadership and policies. Many Labour MPs want a woman to replace Ms Rayner as deputy leader, and several MPs want someone from outside London for the position.
As the race heats up, the candidates will undoubtedly lay out their visions for the Labour Party and how they plan to support Sir Keir Starmer in his leadership. The winner will be announced on Saturday 25 October.
Read also:
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Trump's Policies: Tariffs, AI, Surveillance, and Possible Martial Law
- Uncovering Political Ad Transparency: A Guide to Investigating opponent's Political Advertisements in the Digital Realm
- Elon Musk praises JD Vance's debate performance against Tim Walz
