Meet the candidates: Lucy Powell

A voice for progressive change

My politics were shaped growing up in the North under Thatcher. I’m Labour through and through, and I will always fight for our party, our movement and our values. 

I’ll be a voice for the progressive change and hope that Labour has always delivered when we’re at our best. 

I’ll be the champion of our members, unions and elected representatives, a bridge between our movement and our leadership. A strong, independent voice.

I want this Government to succeed, and sometimes that means speaking the truth – not sniping from the sidelines but ensuring we listen, and act on what we hear.  When we don’t we make mistakes that overshadow our achievements.  

A bold vision to win 

My own seat in Manchester is half red-wall, half urban. I know what it takes to rebuild our voter coalition. All over the country, we’re at risk of losing votes to both sides. We must tell a better story and offer a bold vision that unites us all.

In government I was in charge of legislation – Employment Rights Bill, railways in public hands, GB Energy and ending water bosses’ bonuses. Change that will transform the country. That’s the story we must tell. 

A better culture

Now, doing the Deputy Leader job full-time outside the constraints of Government, I can be laser focussed on connecting with our communities.

When we include more voices and experiences, we make decisions which hold true to our values. That’s how we’ll change the country.