Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) addressed Labour MPs on Monday evening for the first time since reshuffling his Cabinet following Angela Rayner's resignation as deputy leader. The Prime Minister opened the Parliamentary Labour Party meeting by paying tribute to his former deputy before thanking MPs for their work over the first year of his Government.
Starmer told MPs that phase two of his Government focuses on delivery, with growth essential to boosting living standards and investing in public services. He outlined key policy priorities that require determined action from the party.
He said: "If we want to build houses for the next generation, we have to fight for that. If we want transport infrastructure so people can get to work and businesses can thrive, we have to fight for it. And if we want every young child to go as far as his or her talent will take them, we have to fight for it."
Starmer assured MPs that the Employment Rights Bill will continue with the same "substance" and to the same timetable as before, amid fears that it could be watered down following the Cabinet reshuffle.
Attacks on political rivals
The Prime Minister launched sharp criticisms of both Reform UK and the Green Party during his address. He branded Reform UK "plastic patriots" and attacked those whose "politics are grounded in grievance", saying that Nigel Farage "called for sanctions against our country that would hit working people" during his trip to Washington last week.
Starmer then targeted the Green Party, stating there are "plastic progressives on the other side too" and that "there's nothing progressive about a Green Party that opposes green infrastructure, blocks house building, and wants to take us out of Nato".
Deputy leadership contest timeline
Labour's National Executive Committee confirmed that MPs hoping to replace Rayner have until Thursday at 5pm to secure nominations from 80 colleagues - a fifth of Labour's Westminster benches. Nominations open on Tuesday, with hustings scheduled for Wednesday as part of the fast-tracked election process.
Successful candidates must then gain support from five per cent of constituency parties or at least three affiliates, including at least two trade unions. The ballot opens on 8th October and closes at noon on 23rd October, with results announced on 25th October.
Labour's annual conference starts on 28th September and is likely to be used as a key moment in the campaign, potentially causing problems for Starmer as candidates set out rival visions for the party.
Potential candidates emerge
Bell Ribeiro-Addy became the first MP to officially announce her candidacy for the deputy leadership role. Dame Emily Thornberry has indicated she is considering a bid, though her north London constituency could count against her, similar to Starmer and David Lammy.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has ruled herself out of the race despite being tipped as a potential candidate. Former Cabinet minister Louise Haigh, who was championed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, confirmed she will not run.
Former deputy leader Baroness Harriet Harman said the role should be filled by a woman from outside London, telling BBC Radio 4's Today that the party needs someone who is "complementary to the leader" and who will "broaden the reach of the leader and galvanise the party".
Rayner's departure context
The contest was triggered by Rayner's resignation following an ethics investigation that found she breached the ministerial code over underpayment of stamp duty on a seaside flat. The successful candidate will replace Rayner as deputy Labour leader but not as deputy prime minister, a position now held by Justice Secretary David Lammy.
Rayner faces opposition pressure to reject a severance payment potentially worth £16,876, though ministers say the decision remains hers as new rules preventing such payments for serious breaches only take effect in October. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "It's obviously right that we've changed the rules and are strengthening those rules, which will come into effect in October. But I'm not going to get into individual cases."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
