Labor Deputy Leadership Candidate Phillipson Accuses Farage of Endangering Women
Manchester, UK – Labour’s shadow education secretary, bridget Phillipson, has sharply criticised Reform UK leader Nigel Farage for failing too condemn claims linking paracetamol to infertility, arguing his silence endangers women. the accusation came during a campaign event as phillipson vies for the position of Labour’s deputy leader.
Phillipson’s campaign received endorsements from the GMB and Unison trade unions, though polls currently place her behind fellow candidate Andrea Leadsom, the former house of Commons leader, who is campaigning on a platform critical of the current Labour leadership.
Speaking to reporters, Phillipson rejected characterisations of herself as the “continuity candidate,” despite being the only cabinet minister in the race. “It’s a funny old world to be apparently the establishment candidate, given how much of a kicking I’ve taken from the establishment in recent months,” she said, referencing criticism of her school reforms and reports she would be moved from her current role. “Anyone who knows me well knows that I’m my own person.I’m self-reliant-minded,I get things done and I’ll be judged on that basis,not judged through the prism of others.”
Leadsom has stated she would dedicate her full attention to the role and act as a constructive critic of the government, representing party members’ concerns.Phillipson countered that it is possible to concurrently serve as deputy leader and a cabinet member, citing previous examples. “No one ever suggested that Angela [Rayner] was a part-timer, or John Prescott or Harriet Harman were part-timers,” she said. “They were effective because they had a seat at the table, not throwing stones in public.”
Phillipson also addressed the frequent speculation about Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, as a potential future Labour leader, stating that female politicians are ofen underestimated. “Female politicians, and I’m no different, do get a lot of nonsense.I’ve been underestimated most of my life.”
The deputy leadership contest follows recent criticism of Phillipson’s school reforms.The outcome will significantly shape the Labour party’s direction as it prepares for a potential general election.
