At her first conference as deputy leader, Lucy Powell laid out what Labour has delivered in government, acknowledged recent electoral losses, and explained the party’s renewed focus on purpose, values and winning arguments under Andy Burnham’s leadership.
She apologises for recent election defeats and says Labour must do more than 'get on with the job'—it must communicate purpose and values.
Powell frames Andy Burnham’s leadership as clarifying the party’s 'why', and calls for unity to counter political extremes.
She recounts listening tours (‘Lucy Listens’) that informed government policy and pledges to keep members’ voices central.
# What Powell said and why it matters
Lucy Powell spoke at her first Labour conference as deputy leader. The speech recounts what the government has done since taking office, acknowledges election setbacks, and sets out how the party intends to change its approach to winning public support.
# Achievements she highlighted
Powell lists a series of concrete measures delivered by the Labour government and argues these are things members should publicise. Items she named include:
Powell frames these as "good Labour things" that deserve to be emphasised to the public.
# Admission of failure and the political response she proposes
She presents this shift as part of a broader battle for attention and values in British politics, urging members to help the party communicate more clearly.
# Leadership, values and the role of Andy Burnham
Powell positions Andy Burnham's leadership as clarifying the party's purpose: moving beyond describing what Labour does to explaining why it matters. She calls this approach essential to regain electoral ground and to counter political extremes she says try to divide communities.
# Organisational notes and party personnel
Powell thanks outgoing general secretary Hollie Ridley for 14 years of service and welcomes Joe Fortune as the new general secretary. She also pays tribute to Angela Rayner for serving as deputy leader for more than five years.
# How she connects with members
Powell emphasises her listening work—'Lucy Listens'—across the country and says that those conversations have helped shape government policy. She asks members to take pride in what the government has delivered while committing to sharper messaging and renewed political campaigning.
# Tone and appeal to the conference
Throughout the speech Powell balances pride in accomplishments with humility about recent electoral losses. The message to activists is pragmatic: celebrate concrete gains, accept responsibility for setbacks, and focus on communicating Labour values and purpose more forcefully to win back voters.
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The deputy leader wants the party to take advantage of a split on the right and not be embarrassed to show its values Labour must “reunite the progressive voter coalition” if it is to take advantage of a split on the right and win the next election, the party’s deputy leader has said. Lucy Powell, who won the race to b
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