Manchester MP Lucy Powell will be in a two-horse race with Bridget Phillipson as nominations for the Labour deputy leadership contest closed this afternoon
Powell made it over the line with 122 declarations of support while Phillipson got 175
Powell who has the backing of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was sacked from Kier Starmer’s cabinet last week in the fallout from Angela Rayner’s resignation
After clinching the nominations, Powell said: “This is not a contest I expected nor any of us wanted but we must use it to focus on how the new deputy leader can be a bridge for all parts of our movement and help the government deliver the progressive change the country needs.
“I am Labour through and through. I will always fight for our party, our values and our traditions. At a time when there are forces trying to spread division and hatred, Labour must be the voice of unity and hope.
“I look forward to speaking to as many members, activists and supporters as possible to make the case about the kind of full-time deputy leader I would be; laser focussed on connecting with our communities through our MPs, elected representatives and members fighting for the change our country needs.”
The next stage in the process comes this weekend when nominations for CLPs and affiliated unions open
