A cabinet minister openly supports prominent Labour leadership hopefuls. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy endorsed Andy Burnham and Lucy Powell. Consequently, this move challenges Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s authority. Nandy declared she “loves” Burnham on LBC radio. She promised to support him “whatever he decides to do.” Furthermore, she backed Lucy Powell’s deputy leadership bid. This support for Labour leadership hopefuls signals internal party friction.
Moreover, Nandy praised Burnham’s work as Greater Manchester mayor. She said he was a fantastic champion for the North. She believes he has an enormous contribution to make. Burnham recently launched a new campaigning group called Mainstream. Supporters see this group as a potential leadership vehicle. He was an MP and minister under the last Labour government.
Additionally, Lucy Powell criticized the government’s performance. She cited mistakes and unforced errors on a BBC podcast. She said these errors gave a sense the party wasn’t on the side of ordinary people. Powell was sacked by Starmer in a recent reshuffle. She suggested this was due to her critical feedback. She is now leading in the polls for the deputy leadership.
Furthermore, Nandy is the second cabinet minister to back Powell. Ed Miliband also gave her his support. Powell is running against Bridget Phillipson. Phillipson is widely seen as Downing Street’s preferred candidate. Powell urged the government to be clearer about scrapping the two-child benefit cap. This is a significant issue for Labour members.
Finally, this public backing for rival Labour leadership hopefuls highlights growing tensions. It underscores the challenges facing Starmer’s leadership. The party’s direction remains a central point of contention.
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