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In a showdown at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, deputy leadership contenders Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell faced off in a hustings session. Both candidates, donning dark blue dresses, presented their platforms and fielded questions from members in a low-key event that occurred after the official close of the conference. The contest, unwanted by Labour leadership due to fears of highlighting internal divisions amid poor poll numbers, was streamed on the party’s YouTube channel without TV coverage. The audience was even asked to refrain from applause to prevent disruptions during the discussions.
The competition arises from Angela Rayner’s resignation as deputy leader, attributed to errors in paying stamp duty, prompting Phillipson and Powell to vie for the vacant position. Phillipson, highlighting her role as education secretary, emphasized her commitment to being a prominent voice within the government and championing the full implementation of the Employment Rights Bill. She advocated for unity while positioning herself as a candidate pushing for bold government actions, contrasting her approach with what she perceived as Powell’s divisive tendencies. In contrast, Powell positioned herself as a dedicated full-time deputy focused on amplifying Labour’s campaign messages and representing the party’s grassroots voices within the government.
Despite shared criticism of certain government decisions, such as winter fuel cuts, the candidates differed in their reflections on Labour’s performance. Phillipson stressed the party’s successes, citing achievements in family support and workers’ rights, while Powell underscored the importance of addressing voter disillusionment and acknowledging significant mistakes. Each campaign finds strength in different areas, with Powell’s team expressing confidence in engaging party members and Phillipson’s camp pointing to strong support from trade unions. Labour members have until October 23 to cast their votes, with the announcement of the new deputy leader scheduled for October 25.
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