Facebook Pixel Two elections, two stories – and neither good for Labour | The Observer - newspaper - Lees dit verhaal op Magzter.com

Poging GOUD - Vrij

Two elections, two stories – and neither good for Labour

The Observer

|

October 26, 2025

This week's two elections were a story of very different turnouts. Record numbers voted in Thursday's Caerphilly byelection but the number taking part in Labour's deputy leadership race dropped off a cliff.

- Catherine Neilan Whitehall Editor

Both cases are concerning for Keir Starmer but yesterday's race to succeed Angela Rayner as deputy leader may be the most consequential for him personally.

Lucy Powell, who the prime minister sacked as leader of the House of Commons last month, beat her rival Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, with 54% of the vote.

Congratulating her yesterday morning, Starmer said: "Lucy has always been a proud defender of Labour values, and that is exactly what we need in this moment. Together, we will fight for Britain. For decency and national renewal."

MEER VERHALEN VAN The Observer

The Observer

If the shoes he chooses fit (or even if they don't) Trump's aides wear them

Deep in conversation with his vice-president and his secretary of state, Donald Trump suddenly broke off and peered over the Resolute Desk.

time to read

2 mins

March 15, 2026

The Observer

Shayne Coplan

The Polymarket founder built a $9bn empire on bets on politics and war

time to read

4 mins

March 15, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

History of energy crises has much to teach this government

The best laid schemes o' mice an’ men/Gang aft agley” (often go awry).

time to read

2 mins

March 15, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

The seaside is now a place of last resort

Hit by a dearth of tourists as well as political neglect, our once-loved tourist towns are locked in a doom spiral

time to read

3 mins

March 15, 2026

The Observer

We can escape the state we're in

There is nothing inevitable about the ills that continue to disfigure our economy and society

time to read

5 mins

March 15, 2026

The Observer

Red kangaroo

There's a bit of a bludger in all of us.

time to read

2 mins

March 15, 2026

The Observer

War is not a game of Call of Duty, Mr Trump

This is the real world where markets panic, and civilians die, says David Aaronovitch

time to read

3 mins

March 15, 2026

The Observer

The new leader is nowhere to be found, as rivals jostle for power in Tehran

In Mojtaba Khamenei's absence, the regime's top brass are out in force.

time to read

7 mins

March 15, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

Three practical ways the UK can strengthen global health – one year after the aid cuts

One year ago, the UK government announced it would reduce its aid commitment from 0.5% to 0.3% of national income

time to read

3 mins

March 15, 2026

The Observer

Women still facing arrest after vote to decriminalise abortion

At least three women have been investigated for illegally ending their pregnancies since MPs voted to decriminalise the procedure last June.

time to read

2 mins

March 15, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size