Lucy Powell has issued a caution to those fueling speculation regarding Keir Starmer’s leadership, urging them to refrain from such discussions as the Labour Party heads into crucial elections in May.
Speaking with The Mirror, the party’s deputy leader expressed confidence that the polls will narrow, emphasizing the need for the party to be prepared for the upcoming battles in 2026. With Labour gearing up for challenging elections in various regions, including England, Scotland, and Wales in just over four months, some Labour MPs are quietly pondering the future of Mr. Starmer’s leadership if the May elections turn out unfavorably for the party.
Powell emphasized the importance of avoiding excessive introspection when colleagues engage in discussions about the Prime Minister’s future. She emphasized the need to focus on improving the party’s performance rather than getting caught up in hypothetical scenarios or idealistic notions. Powell stressed that diverting attention to internal political dramas detracts from the real issues that voters will face in the upcoming elections.
Commenting on the situation, Powell affirmed that those perpetuating the leadership speculation should quiet down, emphasizing the need to prioritize the significant matters at hand. She highlighted the critical choices voters will make in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the tangible impact these decisions will have on services, local communities, and regions like Scotland and Wales.
Regarding the May elections, Powell underscored that they represent a clear choice between supporting Labour or enabling Reform to gain a foothold in various areas. She emphasized that the elections are not merely symbolic but will have real-world consequences for communities.
Powell also touched on the departure of Angela Rayner from the Cabinet, describing it as a significant loss. She expressed support for Rayner’s continued contributions and hinted at a potential return to a prominent position within the government.
Unlike past deputy leaders during Labour’s tenure in power, Powell is not part of the government. However, she is expected to participate in a political Cabinet meeting early in the New Year to discuss Labour’s election strategy.
Acknowledging past missteps in 2025, Powell emphasized the need for Labour to demonstrate a stronger sense of purpose and align with the interests of the public. She pointed to recent progress, particularly in the Budget, which she described as distinctly aligned with Labour’s values.
Addressing the party’s strategy for 2026, Powell emphasized the necessity of focusing on addressing the cost of living crisis and economic inequalities that have disadvantaged working families for years. She stressed the importance of delivering tangible solutions to improve the lives of ordinary people across the country.