One of the earliest memories I have of Lucy Powell dates back to approximately 1993. At that time, she was a vibrant 18-year-old donning baggy jeans and a vest top, fearlessly confronting authority figures over perceived injustices, often with the support of a cheering crowd.
Both Lucy and I were students at Oxford University, where she, akin to another prominent figure, was a freshman at Somerville College. Among our peers was Liz Truss, and Jacob Rees-Mogg could be spotted traversing the halls in Victorian attire, seemingly stuck in the past. Meanwhile, George Osborne, a baronet, was involved in running a whimsical student publication where he masqueraded as a wizardly advice columnist.
Lucy, a straightforward, comprehensively-educated Northerner with a touch of Manchester swagger, was always eager to challenge the status quo. During our time at university, bonded by our shared love for dance music, mischief-making, and social justice, we quickly forged a strong friendship.
Although Lucy often expressed feeling out of place at Oxford, a sentiment shared by many of us from non-privileged backgrounds, bewildered by elitist social norms and arcane rowing jargon, her affinity for the vibrant “Madchester” scene, from iconic venues like the Hacienda to bands like the Happy Mondays, resonated well within the university’s cultural landscape.
Her decision to depart Oxford prematurely for King’s College London, coinciding with the graduation of many of our peers heading to London, came as no surprise. The urban university environment suited Lucy better, allowing her to secure a job at Top Shop on the Strand, a role as the Saturday manager that notably reduced shoplifting incidents.
Lucy’s passion for Manchester City Football Club is only rivaled by her dedication to the Labour party, a commitment that began at the age of 15, actively engaging in party activities even while in her youth. After my transition to a trainee role at the Daily Mirror post-graduation, it was unsurprising to find Lucy immersed in Labour party operations at the party’s headquarters in Millbank during the ’97 general election campaign and later supporting Labour MPs Bev Hughes and Glenda Jackson.
Lucy approached her Westminster experiences with the same irreverence she showed towards Oxbridge. Anecdotes from that time, like the one shared by Andy Burnham, a former colleague, recount her challenging perceived injustices, even if it involved something as trivial as queue-jumping at the House of Commons canteen. Fairness remained a central value for Lucy in all aspects of life, whether dealing with traffic congestion, supermarket queues, reality TV show controversies, or legislative drafting.
Her role as Ed Miliband’s chief of staff during his leadership of the Labour Party showcased her aptitude for political strategy and management. Known for her unwavering support for the underprivileged and her relentless optimism, Lucy also exemplifies resilience, irreverence, and a sense of fun akin to Angela Rayner, a quality that resonates with her broad base of friends and supporters, transcending political differences.
Lucy embodies key Labour principles of fairness, compassion, determination, and steadfast loyalty, making her a reliable ally in times of adversity. Her culinary skills, adept driving, and practical camping abilities further underscore her resourcefulness and versatility. However, it’s best not to disturb her during the World Snooker Championship or tamper with her meal by adding tropical fruits.
Upon learning of her dismissal by the Prime Minister after a period of loyal service, many in Britain likely shared my sentiment of wishing Lucy well in her future endeavors. As the Member of Parliament for Manchester Central, her constituency now encompasses the Etihad Stadium, the home ground of Manchester City FC, a place where her true-blue allegiance shines through.