Becoming the Labour Deputy Leader was not something I had anticipated as I looked ahead to 2025 at the beginning of last year. It came as a pleasant surprise and a great privilege. Holding such a significant and historic position within the Labour Party, especially given the current circumstances, carries a heavy responsibility.
The Labour Party members chose me for several reasons. They seek a Deputy who can enhance Labour’s performance, provide a clearer representation of our values, and show whose interests we prioritize. They have consistently emphasized the importance of unity within the team, rather than creating discord. I have pledged to honor both aspects.
It is now more critical than ever to get things right. Ordinary people have faced increasing challenges over the past decade. Merely having a job is no longer sufficient to maintain a decent standard of living. The prospect of owning a secure and affordable home is becoming more distant, particularly for the younger population. Rapid changes in the job market, coupled with global conflicts and migration issues, have direct impacts within our borders.
Communities across the UK are demanding change, a desire for their voices to be heard, and a need for politicians who truly understand their concerns. The Labour Party must demonstrate that we are the ones addressing these calls for change collectively. Failure to do so may lead people to seek solace in those offering false promises and simplistic solutions. Effecting fundamental changes in the country, our public services, and the economy to benefit ordinary citizens is a far more complex task.
To effectively convey our narrative and showcase that mainstream politics can drive tangible transformations, we must also be willing to put in the hard work, remain focused, and bring others along with us, rather than engage in self-absorption and blame games.
For instance, the recent Budget distinctly reflected Labour’s values. Measures such as lifting half a million children out of poverty, predominantly from working families, funded through a mansion tax, a gambling levy, and fairer taxation on income derived from assets. This is in addition to wage increases for low-income earners, reductions in energy bills, reducing waiting lists, and expanding free school meals. A Labour-led government, under Keir Starmer’s leadership, working for the many, not just a select few.
It can be frustrating when our message gets overshadowed. Cutting through the noise and effectively communicating our vision becomes more challenging when internal conflicts are exposed to the public.
Looking ahead to early 2026, with significant Labour policies taking effect – improved sick pay, salary increments for low earners, enhanced renter rights, public ownership of rail services, expanded social housing, substantial state pension raises, financial assistance for families, and the end of zero-hours contracts – it is vital to stay committed to championing these initiatives. We may not have another opportunity to do so.
With important elections looming nationwide in the coming year, it is crucial for all of us to support Keir Starmer. We cannot afford to allow our opponents, especially the Reform party, to mismanage councils or gain a stronghold in Wales or Scotland. As members of the Labour Party, it is our duty to come together, prioritize the nation’s interests, and combat divisive politics and hatred. This can only be achieved if we stand united.
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