Labor Deputy Leadership Race: Phillipson urges Unity, Warns Against Division
London – Bridget Phillipson formally launched her bid to become Labour’s deputy leader on Sunday, appealing for party unity and cautioning that internal division could jeopardize the potential benefits of a Labour government for families and children. The Shadow Education Secretary positioned herself as the candidate to secure a second term for Sir keir Starmer, directly contrasting her approach with that of rival Lisa Nandy.
Phillipson acknowledged mistakes made during the first year of the Starmer government, but urged party members to focus on the future. “You can use this contest to look backward, to pass judgement on what has happened in the last year, or you can use it to shape positively what happens in the run-up to the next election,” she stated. She implored members to “back me so I can unite our party,deliver the change we want to see and beat Reform. Back me so together, we can deliver that second term of Labour government.”
The deputy leadership contest is unfolding as a key test of the party’s direction following a year in power. While Phillipson is widely seen as Starmer’s preferred candidate, she faces a challenge from Lisa Nandy, who has garnered support from figures like Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. burnham’s backing has framed the contest as a proxy battle between Starmer’s leadership and a potential alternative vision for the party.
Phillipson highlighted her working-class background, recounting her upbringing “from a tough street of council houses in the North East all the way to the cabinet.” She shared a personal story from her childhood, describing an incident where a burglar threatened her mother with a baseball bat when she was nine years old, an anecdote previously shared at the TUC conference.
Nandy, meanwhile, has called for a cultural shift within 10 Downing Street, advocating for improved decision-making and a reduction in “unforced errors.” The race is currently considered exceptionally close, with the result – to be announced on October 25 – potentially decided by a narrow margin.
