Lucy Powell expressed gratitude to Labour supporters for electing her as the Party’s Deputy Leader, emphasizing the importance of being able to speak openly about the party’s direction. She secured victory in the Labour deputy leadership contest with 54% of the vote, surpassing Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s 46% share. Powell stressed the need for the party to provide hope and drive significant change that the country is yearning for.
The leadership contest stemmed from Angela Rayner’s resignation following a property purchase tax error. Powell received 87,407 votes from Labour Party members and affiliates, while Phillipson garnered 73,536 votes, though the voter turnout was only 16.6%.
Powell highlighted the necessity for the Labour Party to address the perceived lack of boldness in the current government’s actions. She pledged to champion Labour values and advocate for the necessary changes to fulfill the promises made to the electorate. Powell also commended Bridget Phillipson for her talent and dedication, expressing readiness to collaborate with her as Education Secretary.
In her role as Deputy Leader, Powell vowed to amplify the voices calling for substantial change and to challenge divisive narratives propagated by figures like Nigel Farage. She underscored the importance of tackling deep-rooted inequalities and emphasized the Labour Party’s historical commitment to advancing social justice and equality.
Powell emphasized the need for unity within the party and pledged to foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. She acknowledged the upcoming elections across England, Scotland, and Wales, stressing the importance of building a progressive consensus rather than engaging in divisive strategies.
In conclusion, Powell affirmed her dedication to effecting positive change in Britain, serving the country and the Labour Party, and expressed gratitude for the support received.
