Lucy Powell has described becoming Labour’s new Deputy Leader as a “huge privilege,” after defeating Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson in a vote among party members.
The Manchester Central MP secured 54% of the vote, with 87,407 votes to Phillipson’s 73,536, in an election that saw a turnout of just 16.6%, according to the Mirror.
The contest was triggered after former deputy leader Angela Rayner resigned earlier this year following a tax scandal.
In her victory speech, Powell praised both her rivals and her predecessor, saying Rayner had “big shoes to fill” and calling Phillipson “someone of huge talent, dedication and real Labour values.”
“We’re in the fight of our lives”
Speaking after her win was announced, Powell told members she would work “every day to repay their trust.” She thanked party staff and campaign teams before turning her focus to Labour’s future.
“We are now in the fight of our lives — not for ourselves, but for the future of the country and democracy,” she said.
“Division and hate are on the rise. Discontent is widespread. People are crying out for change.”
Powell said Labour must reclaim its sense of purpose and show clearly “whose side we are on.” She promised to bring the voices of grassroots members into the heart of the party and push for bolder action from government.
“People feel this government hasn’t been bold enough in delivering the change we promised,” she added.
“I’ll be the champion of our Labour values and boldness in everything we do.”
Taking on Reform and rebuilding trust
Powell warned that the political conversation in Britain has been dominated for too long by Nigel Farage and the Reform Party.
“Let’s be honest — we’ve let Farage and his ilk run away with it,” she said.
“He wants to blame immigration for all the country’s problems. We reject that.”
Instead, Powell argued that Labour’s mission should be to tackle deep-rooted inequalities that have grown over decades — in wealth, housing, and health — and to rebuild a fairer economy that “works for the many, not the few.”
Rooted in Manchester and Labour traditions
Powell reflected on her roots in Manchester, where she said Labour’s story began with workers joining together to demand better pay and conditions.
She said her politics are shaped by that legacy and by pride in Labour’s historic achievements — from the NHS and the minimum wage to devolution and civil partnerships.
“I stand here now as a Deputy Leader steeped in those traditions,” she said.
“Our movement has always been our strength.”
A call for unity and purpose
Powell acknowledged that many members and supporters feel disconnected from the party and promised to change that.
“Our members aren’t a weakness — they’re our greatest asset,” she said.
“Unity and loyalty come from shared purpose, not from command and control. Listening and debate are not dissent — they’re our strength.”
With elections looming next year across England, Scotland and Wales, Powell urged the party to move quickly and decisively.
“We won’t win by trying to out-Reform Reform,” she said.
“We’ll win by building a broad, progressive consensus that reflects the real values of this country.”
“I’m here to help change Britain for the better”
Powell closed her speech by reminding members that voters had already demanded change at the last general election.
“Sixteen months ago, the British people voted for change,” she said.
“I’m here to do everything I can to make that change a reality — to help change Britain for the better, to serve our party, and to serve our country.” Photo by David Woolfall, Wikimedia commons.