Harriet Harman has emphasized the importance of including Lucy Powell in the Cabinet if she emerges victorious in the Labour Deputy leadership race. The former chair of the Labour party highlighted that it is customary for the deputy leader to hold a position in the Cabinet, citing Gordon Brown’s decision to appoint her in 2007. In an article for The Sunday Mirror, Harman praised both Powell and her competitor Bridget Phillipson, expressing regret over Angela Rayner’s departure.
Powell and Phillipson are vying to replace Rayner, who stepped down as Deputy Prime Minister last month amidst a dispute regarding underpayment of stamp duty tax.
Harman stated, “I believe the party anticipates that the elected deputy will be part of the top team in a Labour government. Although I was not initially in the cabinet when I won the deputy leadership in 2007, Gordon promptly appointed me.”
“While Phillipson already holds a Cabinet position, Powell does not. If Powell secures the Deputy role, I trust Keir Starmer will extend a Cabinet seat offer, which she should accept,” Harman added.
Harman advised the eventual winner to take the lead in all forthcoming elections, particularly in the crucial year of 2026. She encouraged the candidate to engage actively in campaign visits across Wales and Scotland to support party activists gearing up for tough elections in May. Harman stressed the privilege of working with local communities nationwide for positive change.
The announcement of the leadership winner is scheduled for October 25, with the contenders being Powell, the former Leader of the House, and Phillipson, the Education Secretary.
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