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Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has called for Labour to maintain a unified front as she officially launched her campaign for the party’s deputy leadership.
Addressing supporters in Sunderland, Phillipson emphasized the need for party unity to secure a second term in government, “deliver the change we want to see and beat Reform.”
The Houghton and Sunderland South MP also acknowledged the contributions of Angela Rayner, who previously held the deputy leadership, and pledged to continue Rayner’s campaigning efforts.
Phillipson is competing against Lucy Powell, her former Cabinet colleague, for the position, following Powell’s departure as Commons leader in the recent reshuffle prompted by Rayner’s resignation.
Phillipson cautioned that division within the party would hinder its ability to win future elections.
“How did we win last [time]? We came together to show the country a different vision for the future.
“I won’t pretend this government hasn’t made mistakes – I’ve been first to admit it.
“But we can’t afford to look inwards – to go back to bad old days of divided Labour Party and open old wounds.
“If we turn against each other only one person will win – Nigel Farage – but millions more will lose.”
Phillipson committed to directly confronting Reform UK with a platform aimed at achieving more for the country.
She was accompanied by Mayor of the North East, Kim McGuinness, at the Fire Station music venue in Sunderland.
The leadership contest is being viewed by some as a gauge of the Prime Minister’s standing, particularly after the recent departures of Rayner and Lord Mandelson.
Phillipson stated her intention to use the deputy leadership position to ensure party members have a “strong voice” within the Cabinet.
“What can be achieved under a deputy leader with a seat at Cabinet? Just look at Angela Rayner. Angela knew the importance of the role she had. There was nothing part-time about her deputy leadership.
“That’s why, today, I pledge to continue Angela Rayner’s campaigning role as deputy leader.
The winner of the contest will not become deputy prime minister, as Rayner was, because that position has already been handed to Justice Secretary David Lammy.
The Education Secretary and Ms Powell now need to secure the support of 5% of constituency parties or at least three affiliates, including at least two affiliated trade unions.
The ballot for candidates who clear the nomination hurdles will open on 8 October and close at 12:00 (BST) on 23 October, with the winner announced on 25 October.
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First Minister Eluned Morgan’s comments come after a turbulent week for the UK government.
MPs Al Carns and Dame Karen Bradley, and council leader George Finch say national flags should be a symbol of unity.
The fallout is continuing after Peter Mandelson’s sacking as UK ambassador to Washington over his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
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No 10 say Peter Mandelson was sacked as the UK’s ambassador after new information about his links to Jeffrey Epstein came to light.
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