The upcoming Labour Deputy Leadership competition holds significant importance, not only for the party’s future but also for the nation. My message to Labour members is clear: I aim to unify our party to bring about change, defeat Reform in the upcoming Election, and secure a second term for Labour.
I seek a mandate from our members to provide increased hope, opportunities for young individuals, and to advance more transformative policies that will enhance life prospects for all. Having personally experienced the positive impact of Labour governments, I attribute my journey from a challenging council street in the northeast to the Cabinet to their support. Only under a Labour government can one have the freedom to shape their life path.
Labour administrations have a proven track record of lifting children out of poverty, which is what initially drew me to politics. Working diligently in our first year in government, I have focused on enhancing life chances for our children through initiatives like free breakfast clubs, revitalizing Sure Start services, expanding school-based nurseries, increasing Free School Meals coverage, and eliminating tax breaks for private schools.
However, I aspire to garner further support to make Labour members proud of our party, enthusiastic about campaigning, and eager to advocate for the positive impacts of a Labour government on our communities. The road to victory necessitates unity across all regions, towns, cities, and rural areas. A divided party cannot succeed in elections, especially with crucial contests in Scotland, Wales, and local elections looming.
Therefore, I commit to continuing Angela Rayner’s advocacy role as Deputy Leader, focusing on re-electing Labour representatives, amplifying members’ voices in the Cabinet, and striving for a much-needed second term for Labour nationwide. It is paramount that we avoid revisiting a fragmented Labour Party, focusing instead on offering hope for the future and steering clear of internal discord. Our success in the previous General Election stemmed from our united vision for the future.
We must reunite to prevent a return to the disunity that hindered us in Opposition for fourteen years. Handing the advantage to parties lacking vision or hope is a risk our country cannot afford. I pledge to unite our party around common values, shared objectives, and overcoming our adversaries, all while keeping sight of the prosperous future our movement envisions.
Now is the time for unity, to secure victory, deliver progress, and envision a brighter future for Britain.