The recent events within the Labour Party have prompted significant discussion regarding leadership dynamics. Angela Rayner, who served as the deputy leader, has been recognized for her contributions and influence within the party, with some noting the impact of her potential departure from the cabinet. In light of this, Louise Haigh, a Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley, expressed gratitude for the support she has received from her colleagues and acknowledges the honor of being considered as a successor to Rayner. However, Haigh has confirmed she will not pursue the deputy leadership position.
Haigh emphasized the importance of Labour’s mission to not only stabilize but drastically improve the country. She argues that strong advocacy for economic reform, workers’ rights, and addressing the climate crisis is essential. To contribute to this cause, she chooses to remain on the backbenches, from where she believes she can campaign effectively.
As the government undergoes a reshuffle, Haigh contends that the current economic situation in Britain necessitates urgent reform. She referenced the legacy of the previous Conservative government, highlighting issues with the economy and public debt management, which she argues threatens the transformative mandate given to Labour in the last election.
Haigh criticized the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) for its short-term focus and called for a more expansive approach to fiscal policy that recognizes the long-term benefits of public investment. She also pointed to the financial burden of inflation-linked gilts and the ongoing subsidy to commercial banks as unsustainable practices that divert resources from essential services.
The call for a significant economic reset, according to Haigh, aligns with Labour’s pledge to reshape Britain’s economic framework to better serve democratic values and community needs. She aims to lead this charge from the backbenches, emphasizing the necessity of genuine change to avoid further stagnation in the economy.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/sep/08/not-running-labour-deputy-leader-louise-haigh