Shabana Mahmood
Shabana Mahmood’s recent elevation to home secretary underscores her solid relationship with Keir Starmer, positioning her as a likely contender favored by No. 10. However, her Blue Labour-style politics may alienate left-leaning party members, while the mounting responsibilities within the Home Office indicate a challenging workload ahead for her, reports 24brussels.
David Lammy
Following his appointment as deputy prime minister, succeeding Angela Rayner, David Lammy now faces speculation about reclaiming his former role as deputy leader. Nonetheless, significant pressure from MPs and unions advocating for a female deputy could hinder his aspirations, creating potential conflict as the new justice secretary navigates this shifting landscape.
Alison McGovern
There has been recent discussion surrounding Alison McGovern, who transitioned from the Department for Work and Pensions to housing. As she prepares to engage in a previously scheduled fringe panel at the TUC Congress, some allies believe she may emerge as a suitable compromise candidate for No. 10 support: “She’s a minister but she doesn’t have the toxic baggage,” remarked one union source.
Rosena Allin-Khan
Dr. Rosena Allin-Khan, who placed second in the last deputy leadership contest, is being encouraged to run again. Though unlikely to take an aggressive stance against the leadership, her dissent regarding Labour’s welfare reforms and her critiques of the government’s stance on Gaza may resonate with certain membership factions.
Emily Thornberry
Emily Thornberry confirmed over the weekend that she is “thinking about” a bid for deputy leader. The chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, who was overlooked for a cabinet position by Starmer, has increasingly criticized the prime minister, warning that further errors could result in “hand[ing] our country to Farage.”
Louise Haigh
Louise Haigh’s name surfaced as a potential candidate over the weekend, nearly nine months after her resignation from Starmer’s Cabinet due to a decadelong fraud conviction. As a representative of the soft left and an ally of unions like Rayner, she may pose a challenge for No. 10, although an associate disclosed to PoliticsHome’s Sienna Rodgers that she is not currently planning to run.
