Lucy powell

@Catherine21

Catherine, I know it’s hard to feel hopeful right now, but Lucy Powell’s appointment really does matter. Starmer only sacked her weeks ago, and now she’s back in a top role, not because he put her there, but because others, including Labour Party members, saw her worth and backed her. That kind of resilience puts Starmer in an awkward spot. It shows she’s principled, grounded, and not someone who disappears quietly when pushed aside. He probably thought he’d seen the last of her, I’ll admit I did have a little chuckle when I heard she had won.

And let’s not forget, Lucy was one of the few who voted against the welfare reform bill. She stood where conscience demanded, despite the threats of voting against the party line. That wasn’t a small thing, it was a line in the sand, and she didn’t flinch. Her return signals that the wing of the party Starmer’s tried to keep quiet isn’t going anywhere. Lucy’s presence could embolden backbenchers and grassroots members who have felt ignored. And if she starts gaining traction, it might force Starmer to reckon with the parts of Labour he’s been trying to distance himself from.

There’s still a thread of hope to hold onto, and you’re not alone in wanting things to change. The good thing is, because the members put her there, Starmer can’t just get rid of her. In fact, Lucy's victory is being read as a direct challenge to his authority. She’s already signalled she won’t return to a government role, precisely so she can speak freely without being bound by Cabinet collective responsibility. That puts her in a uniquely resilient position, able to criticise policy from within the party’s leadership, with a mandate Starmer can’t revoke. Things could get interesting.