Labour’s ruling body, the National Executive Committee (NEC), is set to meet on Monday to outline the timeline and rules for a deputy leadership election, following Angela Rayner’s resignation. MPs will need to decide whether to enter the race, with discussions expected to include the number of nominations required to secure a place on the ballot. Dame Emily Thornberry became the first high-profile figure to signal a possible bid on Sunday, while new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has not yet confirmed whether she will stand.
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The contest was triggered by Ms Rayner stepping down after an ethics investigation found she breached the ministerial code over underpaid stamp duty on a seaside flat earlier this year. Sir Keir Starmer has sought to move on from the scandal, completing a significant reshuffle on Sunday night and urging his new-look Cabinet to accelerate the delivery of Labour’s pledges. However, the deputy leadership race threatens to dominate party conference discussions and shift attention from Government business.
Tensions within Labour surfaced over the weekend, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham raising concerns about Cabinet “balance” and calling for another northern voice in the deputy role, such as Louise Haigh or Lucy Powell, to counter what he described as London-centricity. He suggested the contest should spark debate about the party’s future and the respect MPs receive. Defence Secretary John Healey dismissed calls for a change in treatment of backbenchers, emphasising the Government’s focus remains on delivering for the public.
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Meanwhile, Ms Rayner faces pressure from the Opposition regarding a potential severance payment due to ministers leaving Cabinet. Labour’s new rules, coming into effect in October, will allow the Prime Minister to refuse payments to ministers found guilty of a “serious breach” of the ministerial code. Ministers have clarified that because Ms Rayner’s departure predates the new rules, the decision to accept the £16,876 payment remains hers, while she continues to be recognised as an inspiration to many, particularly working-class women.
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