Prescott, Harman, Rayner – notable Labour deputy leaders who have embedded the party’s core values into governmental decisions, backed by member support and a presence in the cabinet.
Stepping into these significant roles requires a commitment to upholding these traditions, which is the path I aim to follow as deputy leader. My focus is on bolstering, rather than undermining, the current Labour administration while ensuring it stays true to the principles that inspired party members to join.
A key priority for me is making the eradication of child poverty a central mission for both this government and my deputy leadership. I am dedicated to achieving this goal within the current parliamentary term by leveraging the authority entrusted to me.
Having experienced firsthand the challenges of growing up in poverty, my political journey was shaped by this reality. As the Education Secretary, I have prioritized creating a fairer environment for working-class families through initiatives like free breakfast clubs, expanded access to free school meals, and the rollout of funded childcare for infants as young as nine months old.
I have demonstrated a willingness to challenge entrenched interests to advance the interests of working people, such as ending tax privileges for private schools to redirect resources to state education.
The transformative impact of a Labour-led government is evident in its ability to uplift disadvantaged children out of poverty, distinguishing itself from opposition parties. This underscores the essential choice between pursuing power through governance or protest.
As Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted at the recent Labour conference, effecting meaningful change requires navigating the complexities of governance rather than merely advocating for it.
Labour’s track record shows that real progress is achieved through governmental action, not opposition posturing. It is imperative to maintain party unity to secure electoral victories and drive substantial change, especially in the face of challenges posed by figures like Farage.
In my role as deputy leader, backed by a mandate from party members, I am committed to unifying Labour, infusing our core values into government actions, and leading the charge against divisive forces like Farage and the far right.