Labour deputy leaders like Prescott, Harman, and Rayner have historically played pivotal roles in aligning the party’s core beliefs with governmental actions, backed by member support and a presence in the cabinet.

Stepping into this legacy, I aim to uphold these standards as deputy leader by backing the Labour government while ensuring it stays true to the values that resonate with party members.

My primary goal is to make combating child poverty a central moral focus of both the government and my deputy leadership. I commit to achieving this within the current parliamentary term, leveraging the authority granted to me by the mandate.

My personal experience of growing up in poverty has driven my political involvement. As the Education Secretary, I have prioritized supporting working-class families through initiatives like free breakfast clubs, expanding free school meal coverage, and introducing funded childcare for young children.

I have demonstrated a willingness to challenge established interests to benefit working people, such as redirecting resources from private schools to state education. This exemplifies how a Labour government creates tangible change and why prioritizing governance over mere protest is vital.

As highlighted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the recent Labour conference, effecting change from within the system is more demanding yet ultimately more rewarding than mere demands for change from outside.

It is crucial for the Labour Party to remain united and focused on its mission of serving the public, especially with crucial elections on the horizon. Division within the party would only play into the hands of adversaries like Farage, posing a threat that can only be effectively countered by a cohesive Labour Party.

With the backing of the party membership, I am committed to fostering unity within the party, anchoring Labour values in government decisions, and leading the charge against figures like Farage and extremist ideologies.