October 24, 2025, London — The Labour Party’s recent deputy leadership election saw apathy as the dominant factor, with a strikingly low voter turnout. While only 16.6% of the electorate engaged in the voting process, Lucy Powell emerged as the clear winner with 54% of the votes, signaling a shift within the party as she takes on the role of deputy leader. The results of the election, alongside the revealed disinterest of Labour’s members, have raised serious concerns about the party’s direction and leadership under Keir Starmer.
What Happened: The Low Turnout and Surprising Victory
In an election that reflected a marked disinterest among Labour members, CBA—a candidate symbolizing apathy—secured over 83% of the vote. This startling statistic underscores the disengagement of party members, including affiliated trade unionists, in the leadership process. Despite the overwhelming indifference, Powell’s victory is notable, not only for her decisive win but also for her reputation as a critic of Starmer’s leadership.
Powell, who has long been considered an opponent of Starmer’s rightward shift, succeeded in the election with a platform that rejected his policies, particularly on welfare reforms and immigration control. This election outcome speaks volumes about the internal divisions and the party’s struggle to maintain a united front as it heads toward the crucial national and local elections in May 2026.
Who Was Lucy Powell? Background and Career History
Lucy Powell, a 54% vote-getter, is a long-time member of the Labour Party known for her strong stance on progressive values. Once a key figure in Labour’s shadow cabinet, Powell’s decision to critique Starmer’s leadership has garnered attention across the party. She gained prominence as an advocate for a left-wing agenda, fighting for more progressive policies that contrast sharply with Starmer’s efforts to move Labour closer to the center.
Her platform in the deputy leadership race was framed around the idea that the first wave of Starmerism had failed. She viewed Starmer’s shift toward policies that “out-Reform Reform” as a misstep, believing that Labour was moving too far to the right—especially on issues like immigration and welfare. Her victory is seen as a testament to the growing dissatisfaction within the party’s left wing and represents a demand for a return to Labour’s roots.
Career and Legacy: Powell’s Political Influence and Starmer’s Struggles
Powell’s political journey has been one marked by her unwavering commitment to progressive causes. Throughout her career, she has worked tirelessly to advocate for policies that benefit working-class people, public services, and social justice. However, her stance on Labour’s direction under Starmer has become a focal point of tension.
The recent events in the Caerphilly by-election, where Labour lost a safe seat to Plaid Cymru, have only served to validate Powell’s criticism. Many Labour MPs now view the result as proof that Starmer’s rightward shift has alienated the party’s traditional base. Powell’s rise as deputy leader, alongside the backlash against Starmerism, suggests that Labour is facing a deep crisis regarding its identity and its connection with its core supporters.
Public and Social Media Reactions: Shock and Reflection
Social media and public reactions to the results have been mixed. Some have praised Powell’s victory as a much-needed correction for a party that has become too centrist under Starmer’s leadership. Others have expressed concern about the divisions within Labour, fearing that Powell’s rise could further fracture an already divided party.
On social media, many supporters of Powell’s platform celebrated her victory, with hashtags like #LabourShift and #PowellForChange trending. Meanwhile, Starmer’s supporters have called for unity within the party, urging Labour to focus on the upcoming elections and avoid internal squabbles. The growing frustration with Starmer’s leadership is palpable, with many questioning whether his direction is sustainable in the long run.
What Happens Next: Labour’s Future and the 2026 Elections
As the dust settles from the deputy leadership election, Labour’s next steps remain uncertain. Powell’s victory is a clear sign that there are factions within the party pushing for a return to more progressive values, but how this will impact Starmer’s leadership is still unclear. The upcoming budget and any potential policy changes will serve as the next battleground for the party’s future.
Starmer has made some attempts to reclaim ground on the left, including his stance on climate change at the COP conference and critiques of Brexit’s economic impacts. However, many argue that these moves are merely gestures rather than substantial policy shifts. The 2026 elections will be crucial for Starmer, as the party’s internal divisions and Powell’s challenge to his authority could result in a painful reckoning.
In the coming months, Labour’s leadership will need to confront whether its slump is due to Starmer’s policies, his leadership style, or the party’s failure to adequately connect with its base. Only time will tell whether Powell’s rise signals a new chapter for Labour or if Starmer can pivot enough to maintain his hold on the party.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
