Lucy Powell has been elected as the deputy leader of the UK's Labour Party, marking a significant political victory after her recent dismissal from government. Her election follows a challenging period for Labour, with recent electoral setbacks.

The UK Labour Party announced on Saturday that Lucy Powell has been elected by party members as the deputy leader, a notable triumph following her dismissal from the government last month by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
In an election with only 17% turnout, Powell defeated Education Minister Bridget Phillipson, receiving 54 votes to Phillipson's four. Following her victory, Powell urged Starmer to shift focus away from courting voters attracted by right-wing immigration policies and instead bolster support from the left.
In her victory speech, Powell emphasized that the party needs to refocus on its traditional values aimed at reducing inequality.
Recently, Labour lost a parliamentary seat in Wales to Plaid Cymru, a left-leaning nationalist party. Additionally, it fell to third place behind Reform UK-a party led by Nigel Farage focusing on reducing immigration-which campaigned for Brexit.
The election of a new deputy leader follows Angela Rayner's resignation in September after breaching ministerial rules by mistakenly failing to pay the correct tax when purchasing a home.
Powell lost her governmental role in Starmer’s Cabinet reshuffle after Rayner's resignation. She suggested that her removal might have been due to informing Starmer about unpopular measures within the party, such as planned cuts to social care.
Speaking on Saturday, Powell said that party leadership needs cultural changes to reconnect with members and lawmakers while moving away from a 'command and control' approach.
Unlike Rayner, Powell will not serve as Deputy Prime Minister; Starmer appointed Justice Secretary David Lammy for this role following Rayner’s departure.
Pledging to be "a strong independent voice," Powell aims to address Labour's declining popularity over its first challenging year in power.
Commenting on Powell’s win, Starmer welcomed her as "a strong advocate for Labour values," acknowledging Friday’s defeat in Wales highlights an urgent need for clear improvements offered to voters.
A Prominent Politician
Born in Manchester, Lucy Powell is recognized as a prominent British politician and currently serves as Leader of the House of Commons. Educated at the University of Edinburgh with degrees in English and Philosophy before working several years in public relations and communications.
She has held several political positions including overseeing governmental business within Parliament as Leader of the House of Commons. Her contributions include guiding historic royal speeches and ambitious legislative programs while updating parliamentary protocols like tightening rules on MPs holding second jobs.
Originally hailing from Manchester’s challenging Moss Side area and strongly pro-European Union stance prompted her candidacy for deputy leadership encouraged by Andy Burnham-the Mayor of Manchester-whose comments hinting at challenging Keir's leadership previously made headlines leading up towards conferences.