Labour’s Lucy Powell criticizes what she deems as sexist efforts to frame the deputy leadership race as a clash between Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham. Powell, a Manchester Central MP, is competing against Bridget Phillipson to succeed Angela Rayner after Rayner’s resignation due to a stamp duty controversy.
The contest follows a tumultuous period for the Prime Minister, marked by the departure of both Rayner and US ambassador Peter Mandelson, causing concern among Labour MPs. Some in Westminster view the deputy race as a showdown between the PM, purportedly supporting Phillipson, and Burnham, who is endorsing Powell.
Powell denounced the narrative, labeling it as a classic Westminster bubble scenario, transforming a battle between two strong women into a male-driven proxy conflict. She criticized this portrayal as sexist, asserting her independence and strength in the political arena.
Highlighting Labour’s missteps in governance, Powell expressed loyalty to the PM while acknowledging the need to address existing issues. She emphasized the party’s unfulfilled potential in communicating its achievements to working-class voters in the North.
Speculation about Burnham potentially eyeing a leadership bid if Starmer falters was dismissed by a close ally as baseless. Harriet Harman, a prominent Labour figure, emphasized that the contest should focus on the qualities of the female candidates rather than being reduced to a battle between men.
Phillipson emphasized the importance of party unity for electoral success, cautioning against division that could benefit political rivals like Nigel Farage and Reform in upcoming elections. She stressed the need for a cohesive approach across regions and demographics to secure victories.
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