A Labour figure calls on Labour to avoid ‘write off’ May local elections viewing them as inevitable losses

Labour should not “write off” next May’s elections anticipating heavy defeats, but use the upcoming fiscal plan to recapture voters’ attention, Lucy Powell stated amid the contest for deputy leadership entered its final period.

With voting among party members under way, Bridget Phillipson, contesting the same role, said if she won she intends to establish an official framework to convey grassroots and union opinions to the cabinet at regular intervals.

Removed from her cabinet post in last month’s reshuffle after the departure of Angela Rayner and has become the favourite to win on an outsider platform, promising to present tough truths to the party leadership when necessary.

Following engagements with party members, Powell expressed there was concern regarding potential effects for Labour of the elections for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments and councils across England in May, where significant setbacks are forecast, including losses to Reform UK.

Previously Commons leader before the reshuffle, said she was “not prepared to write off this hugely important set of elections” as typical midterm backlash, calling for a bold budget in response.

“It’s unacceptable if we are losing good Labour councillors and councils through no fault of their own, due to national-level errors,” she said. “We need to reset the agenda preventing communities from awakening to Reform-controlled councils after election day next May.”

November’s budget must serve as “a moment to draw a line from previous errors, and show the country where our allegiance lies”, Powell articulated, proposing it removes the two-child limit on benefits ensuring the tax burden was shared more fairly.

During a BBC interview, Education Secretary Phillipson, indicated she believed the cap would be lifted.

“I firmly believe our government will act appropriately by children growing up in poverty in our country,” she affirmed. “We’ve already started that process. Further action is needed. I will make that happen.”

Phillipson argued that as a cabinet minister she could guarantee direct representation of member concerns within senior government circles. In a subsequent pledge, her campaign stated she would regularly gather input from members and trade unions quarterly to present in this way.

She said: “The Labour party draws its strength from its members. That’s why I want to give them enhanced influence in how the government delivers its agenda, creating channels for communicating movement priorities.

“Only under my deputy leadership will member voices resonate loud and clear during cabinet discussions.”

Electronic voting among party members began last Wednesday continuing through October, results following two days after.