Also: How much do we really know about the ECHR?
By James Moules
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Grandees weigh in on deputy leadership
Just days remain until members get their ballots to vote for Labour's next deputy leader. And as the eleventh hour approaches, some of the biggest names of Labour's past have made their views known.
Lucy Powell has claimed the star endorsement of Neil Kinnock, who said she would be an "outstanding" deputy to Keir Starmer . The former Labour leader added: "I’ve known Lucy as a friend and comrade for over 20 years. She is totally Labour and embodies the basic truth that it is vital that the broad Labour Movement is heard and heeded."
But Bridget Phillipson hasn't started the week empty-handed of big-name backers either. Alan Johnson has given the Education Secretary his endorsement to succeed Angela Rayner, calling her one of "Labour's star performers."
Campaign groups across the party's wings have also reached their verdicts on the race, with the Andy Burnham-linked network Mainstream polling its members to decide its endorsement. More than 80% opted for Lucy Powell. The Campaign for Labour Party Democracy has also signalled its support for Powell.
Ballots for the deputy leadership election open on Wednesday. Be sure to follow LabourList for all the latest twists and turns in the race.
You can also catch up with LabourList's interviews with both Bridget Phillipson
and Lucy Powell .
Who do you plan to vote for in the deputy leadership election? Write to us with your thoughts - click here for details and guidelines
Understanding the ECHR
Debate around the European Convention on Human Rights continues to rumble on as right wing parties pledge to withdraw Britain from the bloc.
But the convention and its role in UK law remains misunderstood by many in public discourse.
Co-convenor of the Immigration Group of the Society of Labour Lawyers Adrian Berry KC has written for LabourList to walk through several common questions about the ECHR – and debunking several myths along the way.
His piece makes for a fascinating read – you can find it here.
Top stories on LabourList
'Human Rights are for everyone' – Immigration and the ECHR
Co-convenor of the Immigration Group of the Society of Labour Lawyers Adrian Berry KC writes...
'I lied to my daughters on Yom Kippur'
Labour Party member Daniel Elton powerfully reflects on the Manchester synagogue attack...
'Biodiversity net gain should be strengthened not scrapped'
Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee Toby Perkins MP writes...
Blue Labour MP urges caution in branding Reform policies as 'racist'
Jonathan Hinder says Labour had to be careful in its use of language in attacking Nigel Farage...
Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP: 'Why I'm backing Bridget'
The Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills explains her endorsement...
'Male suicide Is Britain’s silent epidemic. We must act now'
Southend West and Leigh MP David Burton Sampson writes...
In other Labour news...
BUY BABY BUY: Steve Reed has announced a major shakeup to the homebuying system aimed at slashing "nightmare" time and costs for those looking to purchase a house. It would require estate agents to provide more information about a property upfront, including its condition, leasehold costs and any chain. The proposals promise to save first-time buyers £710 on average (BBC
).
COUNCIL RESIGNATIONS: Four Labour councillors in Birmingham have resigned from the party after not being selected amid a cull of candidates for the 2026 local election. In a blistering attack, one of the four said: "What was once a movement rooted in social justice, integrity, and compassion is now run by people more focused on power and control rather than genuine principles" (BirminghamLive
).
CHINA RELATIONS: Beijing threatened retaliation against Britain if China's security apparatus was a target under foreign influence rules, The Guardian
has reported. It comes as the issue of China relations becomes increasingly divisive, with the question of the new "mega-embassy" in London continuing to loom large.
ON A RELATED NOTE: Shabana Mahmood said she is "very disappointed" that charges against two men accused of spying for China have been dropped – and denied any ministerial interference. But the Home Secretary stopped short of calling China an "enemy of the UK" (The Independent
).
'REMEMBER THEM?': Tory Party Conference is underway in Manchester as speculation over Kemi Badenoch's future in the top job remains rife. But the embattled Conservative leader has insisted to the BBC
that her strategy will "pay off eventually". November 2 will mark one year since she assumed the role, at which point she is open to a leadership challenge under the party's rules.
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Comment round-up
- Can Shabana Mahmood win Jewish trust after Manchester? – Ethan Croft , The New Statesman (£).
- Don’t despair, Tories: look upon Reform and see your rightful and fitting legacy – Nesrine Malik, The Guardian.
- If you think Starmer’s Labour will protect human rights – think again – Kolbassia Haoussou, The Independent (£) .
- It’s back to the basics of Beveridge or bust – Jenni Russell, The Times (£) .
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