London, (Shahzad Ali) __ Lucy Powell, a Labour Member of Parliament (MP), has been chosen as the new Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. She takes over after Angela Rayner stepped down last month.

Powell, who represents Manchester Central, won the election against Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. In her campaign, she promised to listen to regular party members and to guide the government in a new direction.

Powell received 87,407 votes, which is around 14,000 more than Phillipson, with a voter turnout of 16.6%. In her speech after winning, Powell called Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer “a protector and ally of our Labour values.” She said she wants to help the Prime Minister succeed, but she also believes the party needs to change its ways to improve.

She promised to bring forward the opinions of people who think the government is not being brave enough. She said, “I’ll be a champion for Labour values and boldness in everything we do,” showing her support for the Prime Minister and the party.

Powell criticized the Reform UK Party, stating that Labour needs to regain control of the political conversation. She said, “we’ve let [Nigel] Farage and his group take over.” She insisted that Labour cannot earn support by trying to be like the Reform Party.

The race for Deputy Leader started with six candidates but got down to just two, with Phillipson seen as the choice of the party’s leadership. This election was important after Angela Rayner’s sudden resignation due to tax issues with a property purchase. Rayner had been a significant figure in the party and acted as a link between the leadership and Labour’s traditional working-class supporters.

Now, the Deputy Leader role is only within the party, as Prime Minister Starmer appointed David Lammy as Deputy Prime Minister and included close allies in his cabinet. Unlike cabinet positions, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party is chosen by party members, not appointed by the Prime Minister. Powell will also be part of Labour’s National Executive Committee and act as the party’s Chief Campaigner.

Lucy Powell has also called for Labour to change how it governs to perform better. She says the party needs to reconnect with its members, communities, and workplaces. They should act based on principles and values, and be more strategic in their actions. Her comments come as there is increasing discussion within the party about how well the government is doing and its connection to regular party members.