London, 11 September 2025 – The Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) nomination stage for the Labour deputy leadership election concluded at 5pm today, confirming a two-way contest between Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell. Both candidates easily cleared the required 80 MP nominations, with Phillipson securing around 122 and Powell 81 by early afternoon, though final counts may have increased before the deadline.
The race was sparked on 5 September when Angela Rayner stepped down as deputy leader, triggering Labour’s first deputy leadership election while in government since 2007. With Keir Starmer’s government grappling with economic challenges and internal party dynamics, the contest is viewed as a key indicator of Labour’s future direction, pitting Phillipson’s centrist credentials against Powell’s deep experience in party unity.
Several prominent MPs withdrew as the nomination deadline loomed. Shadow Attorney General Emily Thornberry and Liverpool Wavertree MP Paula Barker both pulled out, lacking the 80 nominations needed. Barker, with just 14 nominations by last night, endorsed Powell, praising her as a “unifying force who can bridge Labour’s diverse voices.” Thornberry, a 2020 leadership contender, had a similarly low tally and thanked colleagues for their support. Housing Minister Alison McGovern also exited earlier, backing Phillipson after failing to gain enough support.
Left-wing backbencher Bell Ribeiro-Addy, who positioned herself as a champion of Labour’s grassroots and progressive wing, fell short with around 18 nominations. Her campaign for an “open, honest” debate on the party’s future failed to gain sufficient PLP traction.
Phillipson, a North East MP and a prominent figure in Starmer’s cabinet, has been the frontrunner, surpassing 100 nominations by yesterday evening. Powell, recently removed from her Commons leadership role in a reshuffle, has campaigned as a unifier with strong ties to both MPs and grassroots members. MPs backing Powell have lauded her relentless energy and coalition-building skills. Rupa Huq, who endorsed her today, described Powell as “a tireless campaigner whose warmth and pragmatism make her a natural leader for Labour’s next chapter.” Another nominator, Jonathan Reynolds, hailed her as “a brilliant communicator who gets things done, with a deep understanding of what makes our party tick.”
The candidates now face the next phase: securing endorsements from either 5% of Constituency Labour Parties (roughly 33 CLPs) or three affiliated organisations, including at least two trade unions. These nominations open on 13 September and close on 27 September, ahead of Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool, where hustings will take place.
Ballots will open to Labour members and affiliated supporters on 8 October, closing on 23 October, with the winner announced on 25 October. The new deputy leader will play a critical role in shaping Labour’s path amid debates over public spending and workers’ rights.
A Labour insider told LabourHome, “This race is about more than just the deputy role – it’s about the heart of Labour in government.” With the field narrowed, expect fierce campaigning in the weeks ahead.
For the latest on the deputy leadership election, visit www.labourhome.co.uk.
