The upcoming deputy leadership election for the Labour Party is being likened to the historic 1981 contest. This time, Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell are competing for the position left vacant by Angela Rayner’s resignation. Their battle comes at a critical juncture for Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership, raising questions about whether this contest will bolster or undermine his leadership.
Historical Context of the Deputy Leadership Battle
The 1981 election saw Denis Healey, the establishment candidate, face off against leftist challenger Tony Benn. Healey narrowly won, receiving 50.426% of the votes against Benn’s 49.574%. This result was deemed a turning point for the Labour Party, impacting its trajectory for years to come.
Current Contestants: Phillipson vs. Powell
- Bridget Phillipson: Currently the Education Secretary, seen as aligned with Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
- Lucy Powell: Recently sacked from the cabinet, she is campaigning as a more independent voice.
This election uses a one member, one vote system, differing from the 1981 electoral college model. The outcome could signal a shift in the party’s dynamics, particularly given Powell’s recent leads in opinion polls.
Allegations and Controversies
As the election approaches, both candidates have exchanged accusations regarding campaign tactics. Powell accused Phillipson’s team of “throwing mud” and leaking information to undermine her credibility. In response, Phillipson denied any knowledge of such actions but expressed concerns about the implications of Powell’s potential election.
Lessons from 1981
The 1981 contest was marked by allegations of dirty tricks and a fractious atmosphere within the party. Healey described the experience as grueling, asserting that it was essential to prevent Benn from gaining the deputy leadership to avoid further defections to the newly formed Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Significance of the 2025 Election
With Phillipson representing the established leadership and Powell hailed as a more left-leaning alternative, the deputy leadership election is seen as pivotal. The lack of left-wing candidates on the ballot due to the nomination threshold may influence voter sentiment.
- Phillipson is viewed as a supporter of Starmer’s framework.
- Powell has received backing from more progressive factions within the party.
Both candidates’ visions for the future of Labour could resonate differently within the party’s diverse membership, potentially echoing the deep divisions evident in 1981.
Future Implications
The upcoming results could not only reshape leadership dynamics but may also suggest the direction of the party ahead of the next general election. If the election mirrors the narrow margins of 1981, it may indicate ongoing instability within Labour and further complicate Starmer’s leadership challenges.
