Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and former Commons leader Lucy Powell are now poised for a head-to-head battle for Labour’s deputy leadership, after the sole remaining challenger failed to secure sufficient nominations.
Left-wing backbencher Bell Riberio-Addy confirmed she did not reach the threshold of 80 MP nominations required by Thursday at 17:00 BST to proceed further in the contest.
Phillipson has garnered substantial support with 175 votes, while Powell has obtained 117.
The next phase mandates that contenders must secure the backing of 5% of local parties or three Labour-affiliated groups, such as a trade union, to advance to a members’ ballot.
In a social media post following the close of nominations, Ribeiro-Addy stated: “Unfortunately, I have not secured the high number of nominations required to proceed in the deputy leadership contest.”
“I am disappointed that the full range of Labour members’ views will not be represented on the ballot paper.”
The deputy leadership contest was initiated by the resignation of Angela Rayner, following scrutiny over unpaid tax related to her £800,000 flat in Hove.
The victor will not assume the role of deputy prime minister, as Rayner did, since that position has been allocated to Justice Secretary David Lammy.
Nonetheless, the deputy leader position carries significant influence, serving as a vital link between the Labour membership and the party leadership. The winning candidate will be at the forefront of future Labour election campaigns.
Importantly, the deputy leader cannot be dismissed by the party leader, Sir Keir Starmer, possessing their own distinct mandate.
Voting for the next deputy leader is anticipated to commence for Labour members on October 8 and conclude on October 23, with the announcement of the winner scheduled for two days thereafter.
The remaining candidates will have the opportunity to appeal to Labour members at a series of hustings during the party’s conference in Liverpool at the end of September.
This contest provides an avenue for dissatisfied MPs and party members to voice their concerns regarding the leadership, potentially overshadowing key ministerial addresses.
Phillipson, the sole cabinet member remaining in the race, has emerged as an early frontrunner, drawing support from MPs aligned with the government.
Conversely, party members may favor a candidate willing to challenge Sir Keir, potentially impacting Phillipson’s prospects.
Powell, recently dismissed from her cabinet role in a ministerial reshuffle, may garner support from Labour MPs discontented with the performance of Sir Keir’s government and its policies.
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The remaining candidates have to get support from 80 MPs by 17:00 on Thursday to progress in the contest.