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London, September 10, 2025, 2:20 PM BST
The race to replace Angela Rayner as Labour’s deputy leader has entered its final hours, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson solidifying her frontrunner status by securing 65 nominations from fellow MPs, according to the latest updates from the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP). With the nomination deadline set for 5pm tomorrow, Thursday, September 11, the contest is shaping up as a pivotal moment for Labour’s direction under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Triggered by Rayner’s resignation on September 5 over a tax controversy, the deputy leadership election has drawn six female MPs, each needing 80 nominations—20% of the PLP—to advance to the membership ballot. Updated figures from Wednesday morning, combined with reports from sources like Election Maps UK and posts on X, show Phillipson pulling further ahead, while others struggle to close the gap.
Latest Nomination Tallies
As of Wednesday afternoon, the PLP’s confirmed nominations (excluding candidates’ self-nominations) stand as follows:
Bridget Phillipson: 65 nominations. The Education Secretary, seen as No. 10’s preferred candidate, has gained momentum with her pitch to unite the party and counter Reform UK’s rise. Her working-class roots and northern constituency (Houghton and Sunderland South) bolster her appeal, though some members worry she’s too aligned with Starmer’s leadership.6370 Lucy Powell: 42 nominations. The Manchester Central MP, recently sacked as Commons leader, is running as a soft-left candidate promising to bridge the gap between backbenchers and the leadership. Her northern credentials and party management experience keep her competitive.63 Bell Ribeiro-Addy: 12 nominations. The Clapham and Brixton Hill MP, a vocal left-winger, is pushing for wealth taxes and a stronger stance on Gaza. She has criticized the rushed nomination process as a “stitch-up” designed to favor centrists, a sentiment echoed on X by left-leaning activists.6150 Emily Thornberry: 10 nominations. The Islington South MP and Foreign Affairs Committee chair is positioning herself as an independent voice for members, focusing on issues like welfare and Gaza. Despite her experience, her London constituency may hinder her appeal amid calls for geographic diversity.61 Paula Barker: 5 nominations. The Liverpool Wavertree MP, a former trade unionist, is campaigning on “true Labour values” and resigned from the frontbench over Gaza in 2023. Her low tally suggests a tough road to the ballot.61 Alison McGovern: 4 nominations. The Birkenhead MP, recently moved to the Housing Ministry, is pitching herself as a unifying figure to combat right-wing populism. Her moderate stance aligns her with Starmer, but her nomination count remains low.61 These figures reflect a slight increase from Tuesday evening’s tally, with Phillipson gaining 21 additional nominations, Powell picking up 7, Ribeiro-Addy adding 4, Thornberry 3, Barker 2, and McGovern 2, based on updates from PLP sources and social media trackers.54 The rapid pace of nominations has fueled speculation, with posts on X suggesting Phillipson could be the only candidate to reach the 80-nomination threshold, potentially leading to an unopposed “coronation” by Thursday night.50
A Race Against Time
The tight timeline—MPs have until Thursday at 5pm to nominate—has drawn criticism from left-leaning candidates and activists. Ribeiro-Addy, in a LabourList article, called the two-day nomination window “preposterous,” arguing it limits debate and favors establishment candidates.50 Richard Burgon, who ruled himself out, labeled the process “profoundly anti-democratic” on X, echoing concerns that the high nomination bar could exclude left-wing voices.64
Meanwhile, Phillipson’s lead is bolstered by her high favorability among Labour members (+39% in a Survation poll for LabourList) and endorsements from figures like Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who emphasized the need for a northern woman to balance Starmer’s London-centric leadership.6370 Powell, with +1% favorability, remains a strong contender, while Ribeiro-Addy (-3%) and Thornberry (+20%) face an uphill battle to rally MPs.63
What’s Next?
Candidates who secure 80 MP nominations must then gain support from either 5% of Constituency Labour Parties (about 33) or three party affiliates, including at least two trade unions, by September 27. The final electronic ballot of members and affiliated supporters runs from October 8 to October 23, with the winner announced on October 25.69 A hustings event at the Labour Party Conference (September 28–October 1) will give candidates a platform to appeal directly to members.69
The contest is not just about numbers but also Labour’s ideological future. Phillipson and McGovern represent continuity with Starmer’s centrist project, while Ribeiro-Addy and Barker push for a leftward shift, citing discontent over Gaza and welfare cuts. Thornberry and Powell straddle the middle, appealing to soft-left members wary of a rightward drift.61 On X, some users speculate that Starmer’s team is orchestrating a “flood the zone” strategy to limit the ballot to loyalists, while others rally behind Thornberry for her experience and independence.50
Broader Context
The race comes amid tensions following a reshuffle that saw David Lammy appointed deputy prime minister, a role separate from the party deputy leadership. Former deputy leader Harriet Harman and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham have called for a northern woman to succeed Rayner, amplifying pressure on candidates like Phillipson and Powell.67 Meanwhile, some senior figures, including David Blunkett, advocate pausing the contest to avoid further factionalism, though the NEC has rejected delays.67
With less than 30 hours until the nomination deadline, the race remains fluid. Phillipson’s trajectory suggests she could secure the magic number, but Powell’s steady gains and grassroots support for Ribeiro-Addy or Thornberry could yet reshape the contest. As Labour navigates this critical juncture, the outcome will signal whether Starmer’s grip on the party holds or if the left can reclaim a louder voice.
