'Stakes could not be higher as Labour take the fight to Nigel Farage and Reform'

'Stakes could not be higher as Labour take the fight to Nigel Farage and Reform' 'Reform are focused on making their crypto-billionaire donor mates even richer, rather than getting things done for our country', Labour Deputy leader Lucy Powell writes Add to preferred sources Comments News opinion Lucy Powell Education Secretary 10:41, 24 Oct 2026 View 2 Images Lucy Powell tore into Nigel Farage (Image: Getty Images) Being elected as Labour’s Deputy Leader one year ago was a true honour. ‌ ‌ I promised to take back the political megaphone and set out a clear message of what we stand for and whose side we are on. ‌ And that is what we’re doing – by being boldly, confidently, authentically Labour. ‌ We are working tirelessly to give Britain hope again. Giving your family more breathing space with the cost of living, by capping bus fares in England at £2 from January and scrapping VAT from household electricity bills - a downpayment on more support to come. Andy Burnham and our whole Labour Government are taking on the big challenges in a way that only Labour can do. We’ve begun the work of bringing back hope to our country, with a plan to go further. ‌ READ MORE : Nigel Farage could miss out on dozens of seats due to anti-Reform tactical voting at next election READ MORE : Chancellor warned rejecting wealth tax or capital gains hike at Budget 'big mistake' View 2 Images Andy Burnham and Lucy Powell are close allies (Image: Getty Images) Greater public control of housing, water and energy. A National Care Service. A new relationship with Europe. Ending rough sleeping. As Education Secretary I am making sure our education system works for all children, with new vocational pathways to help people see the link between school and work. Giving them hope that going to school leads to a brighter future. ‌ That is Labour’s progressive vision. A vision that rejects the danger of Reform and the Tories. The stakes could not be higher as we take the fight to Nigel Farage and Reform, who are totally unfit for office. They are focused on making their crypto-billionaire donor mates even richer, rather than getting things done for our country. Article continues below That sums up who’s side they’re really on, and it’s not ordinary people. We talk about hope, but hope isn’t just a watchword. It’s our statement of intent. I know there is much to do. But that feeling of hope is slowly returning. One year into this job, it’s clear to me that only Labour can deliver that. Here’s to the next year.