Labour Education Secretary Phillipson Launches Deputy Leadership Bid

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has launched her campaign to become Labour's next deputy leader, emphasizing party unity to secure a second term and defeat Reform UK. She pledged to continue Angela Rayner's campaigning role, highlighting the importance of a strong voice for party members at the Cabinet table. Phillipson faces competition from Lucy Powell, who lost her Commons leader position following Rayner's resignation over tax affairs. The contest, viewed by some as a referendum on the Prime Minister's leadership amid recent high-profile resignations, requires candidates to secure constituency and affiliate support before a ballot opens in October. Phillipson warned against internal divisions, stating that Labour cannot afford to hand advantages to opponents like Nigel Farage and Reform UK, especially with upcoming elections across the UK. Powell advocates for cultural change at Downing Street to improve connections with MPs, while Phillipson stresses hope and unity as key to Labour's electoral success.