Overview

• At Liverpool hustings, Lucy Powell warned against trying to “out‑Reform Reform” and urged a change of course to win next year’s local elections.
• Bridget Phillipson called for party unity to take on Nigel Farage’s party in line with Labour values and said Labour must be ruthless in challenging the Greens.
• The contest to replace Angela Rayner has narrowed to Powell and Phillipson, with some reports portraying Powell as the favourite among Labour members.
• Recent government plans would tighten the route to indefinite leave to remain by requiring high‑level English, a clean criminal record, community volunteering, paid work with national insurance contributions, and no benefits claims.
• Powell said Labour’s voter coalition is fracturing, citing losses to Reform and to Plaid Cymru in Wales, and criticised unclear messaging on policies such as winter fuel payments.