A Labour figure urges party not to ‘write off’ May local elections as certain defeats

Labour should not disregard next May’s elections as a likely moment for big losses, but use the budget as a way to seize back voters’ attention, Lucy Powell stated as the battle for deputy leadership entered its final period.

As member voting commences, Bridget Phillipson, Powell’s rival for the post, said upon victory she would set up an official framework to convey grassroots and union opinions directly to government leaders on a regular basis.

Removed from her cabinet post in last month’s reshuffle after the departure of Angela Rayner emerging as the frontrunner positioning as an independent voice, promising to present tough truths to Keir Starmer and his team as needed.

Speaking after a series of events with members, Powell said apprehension exists about the possible impact for Labour of the elections for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments and councils across England next May, where significant setbacks are forecast, many to Reform UK.

Powell, who was leader of the Commons before the reshuffle, declared she is “not prepared to write off these crucial electoral contests” as inevitable midterm pushback, calling for a bold budget in response.

“It’s unacceptable to lose good Labour councillors and councils through no fault of their own, because of the missteps we’ve taken nationally,” she said. “We must redefine our priorities so that more communities don’t wake up to Reform-controlled councils after election day in May.”

The 26 November budget should be “a moment to draw a line under our past mistakes, demonstrating to the nation where our allegiance lies”, Powell articulated, proposing it removes the two-child limit on benefits ensuring fairer distribution of tax responsibilities.

During a BBC interview, Phillipson, the education secretary, indicated she believed the cap would be lifted.

“I firmly believe our government will act appropriately for children in poverty in our country,” she said. “We’ve already started that process. Further action is needed. I will ensure its completion.”

Phillipson argued in her capacity as minister she could make sure members’ concerns were heard directly within senior government circles. Through an additional commitment, her team said she would formally solicit views from members and trade unions quarterly to present in this way.

She declared: “Labour’s vitality stems from its membership. That’s why I want to give them a stronger voice in governmental policy implementation, with more avenues for our movement to tell us about their priorities.

“Only under my deputy leadership will members have their voices heard loud and clear during cabinet discussions.”

Electronic voting among party members began last Wednesday and will run until 23 October, results following two days after.