Lucy Powell has immediately called on Sir Keir Starmer to adopt a softer stance on immigration following her win in the Labour deputy leadership contest. In her victory speech, the new party number two accused the Prime Minister of having “let Farage and his ilk run away” with the debate on border controls. She argued that Labour must be more progressive and stressed that the party “won’t win by trying to out-Reform Reform”.
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Powell, formerly leader of the Commons, secured 54 per cent of the vote from around 160,000 members, narrowly defeating Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who had been widely seen as No 10’s preferred candidate. She will replace Angela Rayner in the deputy role and her election represents a challenge to Starmer’s authority, signalling a potential shift to the Left within the party. In her speech, Powell called for a clearer demonstration of Labour values and a stronger sense of purpose from Downing Street.
In direct criticism of Starmer’s tough approach to immigration, Powell stated: “Because let’s be honest, we’ve let Farage and his ilk run away with it. He wants to blame immigration for all the country’s problems. We reject that.” She emphasised the need for collective purpose, saying: “Unity and loyalty comes from collective purpose not from command and control. Debating, listening and hearing is not dissent, it’s our strength.” Her victory frees her from collective responsibility, enabling her to push publicly for Left-wing policies, including lifting the two-child benefit cap.
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Powell also praised Angela Rayner in her speech, highlighting their close political relationship and Rayner’s contributions to the party. Her election comes at a time of internal Labour division, with Sir Keir facing pressure following poor polling and the Caerphilly by-election, where Labour was pushed into third place behind Plaid Cymru and Reform, securing just 11 per cent of the vote. The result has intensified debate over the party’s direction and whether it should focus on progressive policies or defending against political opponents.
