The Labour Party Deputy Leader election currently taking place should be an opportunity for individual members and affiliates to debate the progressive policies the government needs to take Britain forward. Unfortunately, it most definitely is not.
Labour CND regrets the anti-democratic requirement that a candidate needs to attain 20% of nominations from the Parliamentary Labour Party before they can enter the ballot, which meant Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill failed to make it onto the ballot. It means her anti-austerity and pro-peace views are not represented in this contest.
Who’s standing?
The recent rule change which raised the ceiling for PLP support has resulted in a contest between Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson, and Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell.
Bridget Phillipson is, explicitly, the candidate of the right – speaking at the Labour First and Labour to Win fringe meetings at conference, and appearing in Labour to Win social media posts, alongside re-tweets (RTs) of her campaign and other supporting organisations such as Labour to Win and Jewish Labour Movement.
Lucy Powell was Leader of the Commons and Lord President of the Council in Keir Starmer’s government until 5 September, when she was removed from government in Starmer’s reshuffle.
What choices for peace?
Needless to say, neither of these candidates represent the policies of CND or the wider peace and anti-war movement.
Labour CND, alongside the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy and Momentum, regrets the failure of the PLP to allow party members and affiliates a meaningful policy choice in this election. As Momentum points out: ‘It is clear that neither of the two candidates on the ballot, Bridget Philipson or Lucy Powell, are committed to making the case for the progressive policies and democratic changes our Party needs to succeed.’
Asked by supporters for advice on how members and affiliates might best use their vote in this election, CLPD is advocating for a vote for Lucy Powell. CLPD says: ‘A victory for Lucy Powell would be seen as a signal that Party members want the government to change what it is doing.’
Momentum also regards Lucy Powell as ‘clearly the candidate least associated with the leadership’. In line with its constitution, Momentum is balloting its members, with two choices:
— Momentum should not recommend a vote for either candidate, or
— Momentum should recommend a tactical vote for Lucy Powell, while making clear this is not a full endorsement
Momentum members have until midday on Tuesday 7 October to take part. If you are a Momentum member you can vote here.
Deputy Leader election timetable
The Deputy Leadership ballot opens on Wednesday 8 October, and closes on Thursday 23 October.The result will be announced on Saturday 25 October.
Both Labour Party members and affiliated trade union supporters, with at least six months continuous membership, can vote. Labour Party information on the Deputy Leadership election is available here.
