Labour party on the verge of internal division: Number 10 allegedly involved in a significant manipulation scheme in the struggle to replace Angela Rayner as a key figure.

Labour Party Faces Internal Turmoil as Deputy Leadership Contest Commences

The Labour Party is currently embroiled in a significant internal contest to elect a new deputy leader, following the resignation of Angela Rayner. The six-week contest, announced by the party, has seen several candidates throw their hats into the ring, with Lucy Powell emerging as a frontrunner.

According to early polling, Powell, a former deputy leader and current MP for Manchester Central, is leading decisively among Labour members. She enjoys significant backing from MPs, including some government figures, in contrast to her rival Bridget Phillipson, who is seen more as a leadership candidate and thus faces more difficulty securing broad support.

In the race to replace Rayner, candidates must secure nominations from 80 MPs and the support of 5% of constituency parties or three affiliates, including at least two trade unions. So far, Backbencher Bell Ribeiro-Addy has officially declared her candidacy, with Housing minister Alison McGovern being tipped as a potential candidate, possibly with possible backing from No 10.

However, the rapid timetable of the contest has drawn criticism from some Labour MPs, who view it as an effort to dodge serious discussion on what has gone wrong for the party. Others warn that the contest will be a major distraction.

The contest has also seen a call for a change in the traditional leadership dynamics. Lucy Powell has expressed the view that the deputy leader should not be a man, given that the Prime Minister and the leader of the party are already men. Former deputy leader Baroness Harman has also suggested that the new deputy leader should be someone from outside London and a woman.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party has been engaged in a public spat with the Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage. Sir Keir criticised Farage's trip to Washington last week, stating that he called for sanctions against the country that would hit working people. In response, At a Parliamentary Labour Party meeting last night, Sir Keir referred to Reform as 'plastic patriots'.

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice retaliated, suggesting a general election might be necessary, stating that Labour seems more focused on internal politics than on fixing the country. Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake also criticized Labour for being too focused on their internal civil war and not addressing serious challenges facing Britain.

The ballot for those who clear the nomination hurdles will open on October 8 and close on October 23, with the result revealed two days later. The successful candidate for the Labour deputy leadership role will not become Deputy PM and is not guaranteed a government post.

As the contest unfolds, it remains to be seen who will emerge as the new deputy leader of the Labour Party and how this will impact the party's direction and performance in the coming months.