Burnham backs Lucy Powell in Labour’s Deputy Leadership Contest

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has today told BBC Radio Manchester that he is supporting Lucy Powell in Labour’s upcoming Deputy Leadership election.

The election comes following the resignation of Angela Rayner, who quit her government roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary last week after it was reported that she failed to pay the correct amount of stamp duty on her second home in Hove.

Following her departure, a cabinet re-shuffle took place. Mr Burnham expressed concerns about the lack of “balance” in cabinet, and said that he thought having a Northerner as the new Deputy Leader would be “great”.

Powell, 50, was born in Manchester. She is seen to be on the ‘soft-left’ of the Labour Party, as is Burnham.

She was Leader of the House of Commons until last week, when she was sacked as part of Kier Starmer’s recent re-shuffle. Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester that he didn’t “think she deserved to leave the government.”

Deputy Leadership candidates have until 5pm this evening to gain the support of at least 80 Labour MPs. To make it to the final ballot, candidates must get the backing of 5% of local Labour parties or three Labour affiliated groups, such as trade unions.

It will then go to a member’s vote, which opens on Wednesday 8th October 2025, before closing on Thursday 23rd October. Results will be announced on Saturday 25th October.

Image Credit: Scottish Government