A Labour figure urges Labour not to ‘write off’ May local elections viewing them as inevitable losses

Labour should not disregard the May electoral contests as a likely moment for big losses, but use the upcoming fiscal plan as a way to seize back public focus, the former minister has said as the battle to be the party’s deputy leadership entered its final period.

As member voting commences, Bridget Phillipson, Powell’s rival for the post, asserted if she won she would set up an official framework to reflect the views of members and unions directly to government leaders at regular intervals.

Removed from her cabinet post in last month’s reshuffle following Angela Rayner’s exit emerging as the frontrunner on an outsider platform, vowing to deliver hard truths to Keir Starmer and his team when necessary.

Following engagements with party members, Powell said there was concern 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.

Previously Commons leader until the reshuffle, said she was “not prepared to write off this hugely important set of elections” as typical midterm backlash, advocating for an ambitious fiscal plan as a countermeasure.

“It’s not OK if we are losing capable Labour representatives 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 and other councils post-election in May.”

November’s budget should be “a moment to draw a line under our past mistakes, and show the country whose side we are on”, Powell said, proposing it removes the two-child limit on benefits ensuring the tax burden was shared more fairly.

During a BBC interview, Education Secretary Phillipson, suggested she expects the restriction would be abolished.

“I firmly believe that we as a government will do the right thing by children growing up in poverty in our country,” she affirmed. “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 direct representation of member concerns at the top of government. In a subsequent pledge, her campaign stated she would regularly gather input from members and trade unions every three months for presentation at high levels.

She declared: “The Labour party draws its strength from its members. 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.

“Solely with my leadership will members have their voices heard distinctly during cabinet discussions.”

Electronic voting among party members commenced recently and will run until 23 October, results following two days after.