The Labour Party has been thrown into another internal storm following Angela Rayner’s resignation over her tax affairs.
What should have been a routine process to replace her as deputy leader has now turned into a bitter row, with Sir Keir Starmer accused of trying to “fix” the race.
Fast-Track Plan Sparks Anger
The party’s ruling body, the NEC, is meeting to finalise how the contest will run.
But critics say the leadership is pushing through a rushed timetable that sidelines debate and squeezes out potential challengers from the left.
Under the proposed schedule, any hopeful will need to secure 80 MP nominations by Thursday at 5pm, leaving barely any time for grassroots momentum to build.
From there, the vote would go to Labour members, with a winner expected before the end of October – just weeks ahead of the Government’s crucial Budget on November 26.
“The Mother of All Stitch-Ups”
The backlash has been fierce. Richard Burgon, a backbencher, blasted the plan as nothing less than “the mother of all stitch-ups.”
He accused Starmer’s team of trying to silence members and avoid confronting Labour’s recent missteps – from benefit cuts to winter fuel payment policies and the party’s stance on Gaza.
“This timetable is outrageous,” Burgon said.
“It proves the leadership isn’t listening, and unless they change course, they risk driving more people away and leaving space for Nigel Farage to grow.”
A Reshuffled Cabinet, but Unrest Remains
Rayner’s exit also forced a Cabinet shake-up.
David Lammy has stepped into the role of deputy prime minister, while Steve Reed has been handed the housing portfolio.
But despite the reshuffle, Starmer still faces the prospect of Labour’s annual conference being overshadowed by deputy leadership manoeuvring.
Who Might Step Into the Role?
So far, several names are being floated. Dame Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, hinted she might run – adding a thinly veiled warning that Starmer needs to “stop making mistakes.”
Former Commons leader Lucy Powell and ex-Transport Secretary Louise Haigh are also weighing their chances.
Meanwhile, new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, currently tasked with tightening immigration policy, has yet to decide.
Labour veteran Baroness Harriet Harman has thrown in her view, insisting the next deputy must “definitely be a woman” and ideally someone from outside London to broaden the party’s reach.
Calls for a Broader Leadership Team
The debate has already drawn in big Labour names.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham stressed that the contest should be about more than personalities – it should address the party’s future direction.
He argued that Labour has become too “London-centric” and suggested that a deputy from the North, like Powell or Haigh, could restore balance.
“Our MPs deserve more respect,” Burnham told the BBC. “This should be the moment to have that conversation.”
Leadership Pushes Back
Not everyone agrees. Defence Secretary John Healey defended Starmer’s strategy, insisting the government’s focus must remain on delivering for the public, not on internal disputes.
He acknowledged Rayner’s contribution, saying she had been “an inspiration to many, particularly working-class women,” but rejected claims that backbenchers were being sidelined.
What Happens Next?
The clock is ticking. With just days for candidates to secure nominations, the race could quickly narrow.
Starmer is determined to get a new deputy leader in place before the Budget, but the controversy risks deepening rifts inside Labour.
For now, all eyes are on who will step forward – and whether this contest becomes a genuine debate about Labour’s future or simply another bruising fight over process.