Bridget Phillipson assured union members that there would be no compromise on the proposed workers’ rights reforms as she announced her candidacy for the deputy leadership position of the Labour Party. The contest, which now includes six candidates, aims to fill the role left vacant by Angela Rayner.
In addition to Phillipson, other contenders for the position include Minister Alison McGovern, former Commons leader Lucy Powell, Foreign Affairs Committee chair Emily Thornberry, and backbenchers Paula Barker and Bell Ribeiro Addy.
During her speech at the Trade Unions Congress, Phillipson emphasized the government’s commitment to the Employment Rights Bill and dismissed any potential dilution by the House of Lords. She affirmed, “We were elected to implement this bill, and we will do so without compromise. The Employment Rights Bill must progress in its entirety.”
Addressing concerns raised after Rayner’s departure, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak praised Phillipson’s dedication to upholding the Employment Rights Bill in full, stressing the importance of stronger workers’ rights, including measures like banning zero-hour contracts and ensuring sick pay from day one of employment.
Phillipson also took the opportunity to criticize right-wing movements led by figures like Nigel Farage and urged unions to continue supporting Labour through thick and thin. Reflecting on her upbringing in a council house, she highlighted her mother’s strength in facing adversity and emphasized the need to stand up for what is right.
The Labour deputy leadership hopeful emphasized the transformative power of education and called for opportunities for young people from similar backgrounds to succeed. She cautioned against simplistic solutions offered by other political groups and urged the government to demonstrate real change in people’s lives, rather than just talking about unity.
Looking ahead, Phillipson encouraged a forward-thinking approach with Labour into the future, contrasting it with the regressive views of Reform UK and Nigel Farage.
