Prescott, Harman, Rayner. Notable Labour deputy leaders who have embedded the party’s core principles in government while having the backing of the party’s members and a voice in the cabinet.
It’s a significant legacy to uphold, and I am committed to following in their footsteps as deputy leader. My aim is to support and strengthen this Labour administration while ensuring it remains true to the values that inspired individuals to join the party.
I plan to make the eradication of child poverty a central mission of both this government and my deputy leadership. I pledge to achieve this goal within the current parliamentary term, leveraging the authority bestowed upon me to drive real change.
Having experienced poverty firsthand during my upbringing, it is the reason I ventured into politics. As the Education Secretary, I have prioritized creating a fairer environment for working-class families. Initiatives such as free breakfast clubs, expanding free school meal programs, and introducing 30 hours of funded childcare for children as young as 9 months old demonstrate this commitment.
I have demonstrated my willingness to challenge vested interests to ensure that working individuals receive the support they deserve, including eliminating tax advantages for private schools to redirect resources to state education.
This underscores the transformative impact a Labour government can have and underscores our commitment to governance over mere protest.
As Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized at the recent Labour conference, effecting change is far more challenging than advocating for it. Working within established frameworks presents greater difficulties than simply criticizing them.
Nonetheless, the rewards of effecting change from within are immeasurable. Historically, only Labour administrations have succeeded in lifting children out of poverty; opposition alone cannot achieve this.
At this critical juncture, Labour governments cannot afford internal discord. There are urgent tasks at hand, from supporting vulnerable children to funding essential public services and rebuilding the nation.
Unity is crucial now more than ever; internal divisions hinder electoral success and impede progress. With pivotal elections on the horizon in Scotland, Wales, and across England next year, the specter of Farage looms large. A fractured Labour Party would only play into his hands.
To counter this threat, a cohesive Labour Party is essential. As deputy leader with a clear mandate from our members, I am committed to unifying the party, championing Labour’s core values within the government, and leading the charge against Farage and extremist ideologies.
