When Lucy Powell, MP for Manchester Central clinched 54% of the vote on 25 October 2025, the Labour Party’s benches buzzed with a mix of relief and anticipation.
The result, announced at 12:00 BST, ended a six‑week marathon that began after Angela Rayner stepped down on 5 September 2025 following a ministerial‑code breach over undeclared taxes. Powell’s win not only fills the vacant deputy leader slot but also reshapes the party’s internal power map as it gears up for the next general election.
Background to the Deputy Leadership Contest
The 2025 Labour Party deputy leadership electionLondon was triggered by Rayner’s resignation, which itself stemmed from a tax scandal that rocked the party’s frontbench earlier this year.
Labour’s rulebook demands that any candidate secure backing from either 5% of Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs) or three affiliated organisations representing at least 5% of affiliate membership. Both Powell and Bridget Phillipson cleared that hurdle, setting the stage for a showdown between two seasoned MPs.
Timeline of the Vote
- 8 September 2025 – Ballots opened to all party members and affiliates.
- 22 October 2025 – Final electronic ballot re‑issues sent out.
- 23 October 2025, 12:00 BST – Polls closed.
- 25 October 2025 – Results announced; Powell declared winner with 54% of the vote.
Eligibility froze on 8 September, giving parties a clean cut‑off for new members. The PLP hustings on 10 September offered a rare glimpse of the candidates debating policy, while the CLP and affiliate nomination windows ran from 13 to 27 September.
Candidate Profiles and Endorsements
Powell, a former cabinet minister who lost her post in the reshuffle after Rayner’s exit, campaigned on “being a bridge between our movement and our leadership.” She highlighted her role in the Employment Rights Bill and the push to nationalise railways.
Phillipson, seen by some as the establishment’s favourite, leaned on her experience as Shadow Education Secretary and pointed to her work on apprenticeships.
Union backing split neatly along traditional lines. The rail union ASLEF, the Communications Workers Union (CWU) and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) threw their weight behind Powell. Meanwhile, the GMB, Unison, the National Union of Mineworkers and the Musicians’ Union rallied around Phillipson.
Reactions From the Media and Party Insiders
ITV News reporter Tom Sheldrick
"Phillipson had been seen as the government‑favoured candidate, with Powell recently being kicked out of government in the reshuffle that came following Rayner's departure," he told viewers.
Sky News political editor Beth Rigby
summed up the moment on 26 October: "Lucy Powell's had quite the political comeback… Sacked from cabinet by the prime minister but weeks ago, she's back with her own powerbase. She’ll take a submarine approach when it comes to interventions."
Implications for Labour’s Future
The deputy leader role now frees Powell from ministerial duties, letting her concentrate on grassroots outreach. Her constituency, Manchester Central, is described as “half red‑wall, half urban,” a microcosm of the broader electorate Labour hopes to win back.
Analysts say Powell’s win could steer the party towards a more assertive stance on workers’ rights while preserving the centrist appeal needed in swing seats. The “submarine approach” comment hints at a low‑profile, behind‑the‑scenes style of negotiation—potentially a counterweight to Keir Starmer’s public-facing leadership.
What Comes Next?
- Powell will set up a deputy‑leader office in Westminster and a regional hub in Manchester by early 2026.
- The Labour leadership team is expected to outline a refreshed policy platform in the next party conference, slated for May 2026.
- Both Powell and Phillipson have pledged to work together on the party’s election‑readiness task force.
With the next general election looming, the deputy leadership could prove decisive in knitting together the party’s disparate factions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Lucy Powell’s election affect Labour’s stance on workers’ rights?
Powell has a track record of championing the Employment Rights Bill and advocating for nationalised railways. Her union backing suggests she will push for stronger collective‑bargaining provisions and resist legislation that weakens trade‑union influence.
What were the main reasons behind Angela Rayner’s resignation?
Rayner stepped down after an independent investigation found she had breached the ministerial code by failing to disclose offshore tax arrangements. The scandal prompted intense media scrutiny and pressured the leadership to act.
Which unions supported each candidate?
Powell received endorsements from ASLEF, CWU, FBU, Disability Labour, East & South East Asians for Labour, Socialist Health Association, Labour Campaign for International Development, and SERA. Phillipson was backed by GMB, Unison, the National Union of Mineworkers, Usdaw, and the Musicians’ Union.
When will the new deputy‑leader office be operational?
Labour’s internal schedule aims to have Powell’s Westminster office ready by January 2026, with a regional outreach centre in Manchester opening in the spring.
What does the “submarine approach” comment imply for policy?
It suggests Powell prefers quiet, behind‑the‑scenes negotiations rather than headline‑grabbing speeches. Expect more back‑room deals with unions and local activists, aiming for consensus before public announcements.
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