Two Merseyside MPs have joined the race to become Labour’s new deputy leader.
Prime minister Keir Starmer is set to appoint a new second in command following the resignation of Angela Rayner last week over a housing tax irregularity.
Birkenhead MP and housing minister Alison McGovern and Wavertree’s Paula Barker both confirmed their intentions to vie for the role.
Barker, who has represented her constituency in parliament since 2019, revealed the ‘huge challenge from the populist right’ was a motivation in the decision to stand.
She said: “One of the reasons I have taken the decision to run is that I am worried about the lack of geographical and political diversity at the top of our party.
“We are a pluralist party at our heart, and we cannot keep moving away from that.
“Having spent almost 30 years in public service and 20 years representing my colleagues as a trade union official – I believe as a party we have stepped too far away from traditional Labour principles.
“I want an open and progressive Labour Party with a bold vision for all our communities and nations – to achieve this we need a Deputy Leader who is happy to hold the Government to account constructively and one who is committed to an inclusive culture.”
McGovern was the MP for Wirral South but switched to represent Birkenhead at the 2024 General Election after her former constituency ward was abolished.
She previously worked as a minister in the Department of Work and Pensions before being installed in a housing role following Ms Rayner’s resignation.
“I believe I can shape our story, communicating our values in a way that resonates across the Labour family and with the public,” said McGovern in a public statement.
“Over the past 15 years, I have worked hand in hand with Labour and trade union members, campaigning for good jobs and against child poverty and the need for foodbanks.
“Four generations of my family from Merseyside have worked on the railway and never thought that one of us could be a member of Parliament – it was the Labour movement that did that.
“Which is why I am proud to live in the community that raised me, also knowing that too many people are still left out of chances and choices in life.
“That has to change. I have fought tough battles before – and I’ll do so again – because these opportunities are a prize worth winning.
“As we enter the next phase of this government we need to quickly show that we have learned the lessons of our first year in office and waste no time in delivering on the promise of change that got us elected last year.”
Potential candidates have until Thursday evening to earn nominations from at least 80 Labour MPs to take part in the current deputy leadership contest.
Those who meet the required numbers will face a vote by party members with a winner announced on Saturday, October 25.