I know how it feels to grow up in poverty. We choose to change that

EDUCATION Secretary Bridget Phillipson has vowed to urgently tackle child poverty as she recalled her own experiences of it.

- BY ALEXANDER BROWN Assistant Political Editor

Ms Phillipson with the ex-PM

The Labour deputy leadership hopeful also pledged to be a strong voice for party members as she squared off against Lucy Powell in the race to become Keir Starmer's No 2.

Speaking of her own upbringing in Washington, Tyne and Wear, Ms Phillipson told the Mirror: “Growing up, I didn't always have it easy so I know what it feels like to grow up in poverty.

“Not just the lack of material goods, but the sense of powerlessness and hopelessness that families can feel.

“We've got four-and-a-half million children in our country today who are experiencing that, and it doesn't have to be that way.”