Labour MP Bridget Phillipson has issued a caution that divided parties, like Labour, do not succeed in elections amid growing dissatisfaction among MPs. Phillipson, who is vying for the deputy leader position to replace Angela Rayner, aims to unify the party and challenge Reform UK. She pledges to ensure party members have a significant voice in the Cabinet.
In a bid against Lucy Powell, who was recently removed from Keir Starmer’s Cabinet, for the Labour deputy leader role, Phillipson emphasized in an article for The Mirror the importance of unity for electoral success. She stressed that winning elections requires a cohesive party and highlighted the need to prevent Nigel Farage and Reform from gaining an advantage in upcoming elections in Scotland, Wales, and local constituencies.
Phillipson emphasized continuing Rayner’s active role in campaigning as deputy leader, emphasizing the importance of avoiding past divisions within the Labour Party and focusing on providing hope for the future. She stressed the significance of unity for success, cautioning against the consequences of disunity that could hinder the party’s progress.
As Phillipson gears up to launch her deputy leader campaign, concerns are rising among Labour MPs over recent government missteps and the handling of Peter Mandelson’s dismissal as Ambassador to Washington. Reports revealed delays in informing PM Starmer about correspondence between Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein, leading to frustration among MPs and criticism of the government’s decision-making process.
Labour backbencher Olivia Blake expressed embarrassment over the delayed communication to the PM regarding the Epstein emails and criticized the lack of transparency in decision-making within Downing Street. Meanwhile, Lucy Powell, a contender for the deputy leader position, emphasized the need for a cultural shift within the government to improve inclusivity and decision-making processes.
Speculation also emerged about Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, potentially preparing for a leadership bid in case Starmer’s leadership falters. However, a close ally of Burnham dismissed these claims as baseless, maintaining that they are mere speculation. Harriet Harman, a Labour veteran and former deputy leader, urged that the deputy leader contest should not become a proxy battle between Starmer and Burnham but rather a competition between two dynamic and inspiring women striving for the role.
In summary, the Labour Party faces internal challenges as key figures position themselves for leadership roles, signaling a period of potential transition and redefinition within the party.