Bridget Phillipson Enters Race to Become Labour Deputy Leader

Published: 09 September 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Bridget Phillipson has officially launched her campaign to become the next Labour deputy leader, immediately positioning herself as a frontrunner in a contest defined by a compressed timetable and a narrowing field of candidates. Her entry into the race marks her as the most likely to meet the threshold of 80 MP nominations required to secure a place on the ballot.

Phillipson, the current Secretary of State for Education, brings to the contest a record of policy achievements that include expanding free school meal provision, increasing childcare support for new parents, and advancing initiatives to tackle child poverty. Her background as a working-class northerner, combined with her reputation as a capable local campaigner, is expected to appeal to MPs seeking a woman from outside London to serve alongside party leader Keir Starmer.

While some party members may view her cabinet position with caution, allies argue that Phillipson “has a good story to tell,” reflecting her rise from a single-parent household in the North East to a senior role in government. Observers note, however, that as a sitting minister, she is unlikely to launch direct attacks on Starmer, instead opting for a measured approach.

The contest has already seen several senior female Labour MPs, including Shabana Mahmood, Lisa Nandy, and Louise Haigh, withdraw, citing the potential for a toxic campaign environment and the challenge of securing enough nominations in a short window. Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Lucy Powell, former Commons leader, are reportedly weighing runs on a soft-left platform, pledging to hold the leadership accountable to the party membership. Other potential candidates include Alison McGovern, a local government minister, and Anneliese Dodds, former aid minister and past party chair.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy, representing the left wing of the party, has emphasized the need for internal reflection on Labour’s governance since returning to power, highlighting dissatisfaction among members over issues such as welfare, the winter fuel allowance, and the response to the Gaza crisis. Ribeiro-Addy has also criticized the truncated nomination timetable as “unfair,” giving MPs only three days to decide on their endorsements

In her campaign statement, Phillipson said: “I am a proud working-class woman from the north-east. I have come from a single-parent family on a tough council street, all the way to the cabinet, determined to deliver better life chances for young people growing up in our country. I will bring that same determination to every battle ahead of us. Because make no mistake: we are in a fight. We all know the dangers Reform poses our country. But not only am I ready for it, I’ve proven we can do it. I’ve shown we can beat Farage in the north-east, while staying true to the Labour party’s values of equality, fairness and social justice.”

Phillipson’s entry sets the stage for a rapid and closely watched campaign, with the party membership set to vote on the new deputy leader in the coming weeks.