Dame Emily Thornberry has confirmed she is running for the role of deputy leader.
Writing on X, Thornberry said: “We fought hard for a Labour government. But we’ve made mistakes and must listen. Welfare. Gaza. Wealth tax. Changes to come on SEND. I will be a voice for the membership, unions, PLP, and our constituents – not just nod along.”
She held a number of frontbench roles in opposition, including shadow foreign secretary under former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and shadow international trade secretary and shadow attorney general under Sir Keir.
Dame Emily was open about her surprise and disappointment at being left out of the prime minister’s cabinet, following last year’s general election victory.
Instead, she took up the role of chairwoman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, where she is tasked with holding the government to account on its foreign policy.
She’s also been critical of the government in other areas, recently telling the BBC Labour can’t afford to keep making mistakes with the party facing a threat from Reform UK, arguing it needs to listen to the public more.
However, representing the London seat of Islington South and Finsbury could harm her chances in the eyes of those who want a deputy who counters what they see as Labour’s London-dominated leadership.