BRIDGET VS LUCY

BRIDGET Phillipson and Lucy Powell will go head-to-head in the contest to replace Angela Rayner as Labour's deputy leader.

- BY ASHLEY COWBURN Deputy Political Editor

Last night Ms Powell, who was sacked as Commons leader by Keir Starmer during last week's reshuffle, crossed the threshold of 80 MP backers.

She joins Education Secretary Ms Phillipson, who is a loyal supporter of the Prime Minister and became the first candidate to win enough support.

Ms Powell, who won the support of 117 MPs compared with 175 for Ms Phillipson, said: "This is not a contest I expected but we must use it to focus on how the new deputy leader can be a bridge for all parts of our movement and help the government deliver the change the country needs."

She added: "I am Labour through and through. I will always fight for our party, our values and our traditions.

"At a time when forces are trying to spread division and hatred, Labour must be the voice of unity and hope."