2020 Labour Party deputy leadership election
← 2015 24 February – 2 April 2020 (2020-02-24 – 2020-04-02)
 
Candidate Angela Rayner Rosena Allin-Khan Richard Burgon
First pref. 192,168 (41.7%) 77,351 (16.8%) 80,053 (17.3%)
Second round 209,968 (46.5%) 88,049 (19.5%) 88,664 (19.7%)
Final round 228,944 (52.6%) 113,858 (26.1%) 92,643 (21.3%)
 
Candidate Ian Murray Dawn Butler
First pref. 61,179 (13.3%) 50,255 (10.9%)
Second round 64,560 (14.3%) Eliminated
Final round Eliminated Eliminated
Deputy Leader before election

Vacant[note 1]

 Elected Deputy Leader

Angela Rayner

The 2020 Labour Party deputy leadership election was triggered on 6 November 2019 by the resignation of Tom Watson as deputy leader of the Labour Party of the United Kingdom. It was won by Angela Rayner on the third ballot. It was held alongside the 2020 Labour Party leadership election, in which Keir Starmer was elected to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as leader.

To qualify for the ballot, candidates needed nominations from 10% (22) of the party's Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of European Parliament (MEPs), followed by support from either 5% (33) of Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs), or from at least three affiliated groups, including two trades unions and representing at least 5% of affiliated members.

Five candidates—Rosena Allin-Khan, Richard Burgon, Dawn Butler, Ian Murray and Angela Rayner—received sufficient nominations from MPs and MEPs to proceed to the second round of nominations. Rayner achieved sufficient support from affiliates to qualify for the final ballot on 20 January, at which point she also had the greatest number of nominations from CLPs. Burgon achieved sufficient support from affiliates on 29 January, while Butler and Murray achieved sufficient support from CLPs on 2 and 7 February, respectively. Allin-Khan became the final candidate to reach the threshold when she received her 33rd CLP nomination on 8 February.

The results were announced on 4 April 2020, with Rayner announced as the winner and becoming deputy leader.

Background

Tom Watson resigned as deputy leader of the Labour Party and as an MP in November 2019 ahead of the 2019 general election.[1]

Procedure

The election was conducted under a pure "one member, one vote" (OMOV) system. Candidates were elected by members and registered and affiliated supporters, who all received a maximum of one vote and all votes were weighted equally. For example, members of Labour-affiliated trade unions needed to register as affiliated Labour supporters to vote.[2]

To stand, challengers needed to be nominated by at least 10% of the combined membership of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) and European Parliamentary Labour Party (EPLP), meaning twenty-two MPs or MEPs at the time. They also needed to be nominated by at least 5% of Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs), or party affiliates that consist of at least 5% of affiliate members including at least two trades unions.[3] Affiliates consist of affiliated trades unions, socialist societies and the Co-operative Party.[4][5] The vote, as in previous elections, will be held under the alternative vote (instant-runoff) system.[3]

Campaign

Hustings in Bristol on 1 February 2020, during the nomination stage

Dawn Butler, the shadow equalities secretary, announced on 7 November 2019 that she would stand to be deputy leader.[6] Khalid Mahmood, the shadow Europe minister, announced his candidacy on 17 December 2019. The shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon announced that he would stand on 31 December 2019 with an article in Tribune.[7][8]

Angela Rayner announced her candidacy on 6 January 2020.[9]

On 9 January, Mahmood withdrew from the contest, saying it had become clear he was unlikely to win the support of the necessary 22 MPs or MEPs.[10]

The five remaining deputy leadership candidates achieved the requisite 22 MP/MEP nominations by the 13 January deadline and proceeded to the next stage of the contest.[11]

Candidates

Nominated by parliamentarians

The following individuals were nominated by the necessary number of Labour parliamentarians and were subject to receiving backing from the required number of constituency parties or affiliated organisations.

Candidate Born Political office Campaign Ref.

Rosena Allin-Khan 		1 January 1977
(age 47)
Tooting, London, England 		Shadow Sport Minister (2016–2020)
MP for Tooting (2016–present)
Website 		[12]

Richard Burgon 		19 September 1980
(age 43)
Leeds, England 		Shadow Justice Secretary (2016–present)
MP for Leeds East (2015–present)
Website Archived 26 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine 		[7]

Dawn Butler 		3 November 1969
(age 54)
Newham, London, England 		Shadow Equalities Secretary (2017–present)
MP for Brent Central (2015–present)
Youth Minister (2009–2010)
MP for Brent South (2005–2010)
Website[permanent dead link] 		[13]

Ian Murray 		10 August 1976
(age 47)
Edinburgh, Scotland 		MP for Edinburgh South (2010–present)
Shadow Scotland Secretary (2015–16)
Website Archived 20 January 2020 at the Wayback Machine 		[14]

Angela Rayner 		28 March 1980
(age 43)
Stockport, Greater Manchester, England 		Shadow Education Secretary (2016–present)
MP for Ashton-under-Lyne (2015–present)
Website Archived 9 January 2020 at the Wayback Machine 		[15]

Withdrawn

Candidate Born Political office Withdrew Ref.

Khalid Mahmood 		13 July 1961
(age 62)
Azad Kashmir, Pakistan 		Shadow Europe Minister (2016–2021)
MP for Birmingham Perry Barr (2001–present) 		9 January 2020
(nominated Allin-Khan) 		[16][10]

Declined

Nominations

Main article: Nominations in the 2020 Labour Party deputy leadership election

Candidates first needed to be nominated by at least 10% (22) of current Labour MPs and MEPs, who comprise the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) and the European Parliamentary Labour Party (EPLP). Candidates who passed this threshold then need nominations from at least 5% (33) Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs), or at least three affiliates including at least two trades unions that together represent at least 5% of affiliated members.[5]

The table below shows the number of nominations achieved by each candidate.[24] A green background indicates that the candidate has met the nomination requirements. A pink background indicates that the candidate has withdrawn from the contest.

Candidate First stage
Labour MPs and MEPs 		Second stage
Constituency Labour Parties Affiliates
Nominations % Nominations % Nominations
Angela Rayner
88 / 212
 41.5% Green tickY
365 / 647
 56.4% Green tickY
12 / 32
 Green tickY
Richard Burgon
22 / 212
 10.4% Green tickY
77 / 647
 11.9% Green tickY
5 / 32
 Green tickY
Dawn Butler
29 / 212
 13.7% Green tickY
82 / 647
 12.7% Green tickY
3 / 32
[a] 		Red XN
Ian Murray
34 / 212
 16% Green tickY
60 / 647
 9.3% Green tickY
3 / 32
[b] 		Red XN
Rosena Allin-Khan
23 / 212
 10.8% Green tickY
56 / 647
 8.7% Green tickY
3 / 32
[c] 		Red XN
Khalid Mahmood (withdrawn)
3 / 212
[d] 		1.4% Red XN
Nominated
196 / 212
 92.5%[e]
640 / 647
 98.9%
26 / 32
  1. ^ Butler did not meet the threshold for Affiliates, but was nominated by a sufficient number of CLPs to qualify for the next round
  2. ^ Murray did not meet the threshold for Affiliates, but was nominated by a sufficient number of CLPs to qualify for the next round
  3. ^ Allin-Khan did not meet the threshold for Affiliates, but was nominated by a sufficient number of CLPs to qualify for the next round
  4. ^ After his withdrawal, Mahmood's backers both nominated another candidate
  5. ^ Excludes Mahmood's nominators

Endorsements

Candidates and potential candidates also received the support of notable people who are not current Labour Party MPs.

Rosena Allin-Khan

Richard Burgon

Ian Murray

Angela Rayner

Opinion polls

Date(s)
conducted 		Pollster/client Sample size First preference
Allin-Khan Burgon Butler Murray Rayner Others Lead
Result 16.8% 17.3% 10.9% 13.3% 41.7% — 24.4%
21–24 February 2020 Survation/LabourList 1,005 Labour members, affiliates and registered supporters 17% 23% 10% 14% 35% — 12%
20–25 January 2020 YouGov/The Times 1,005 Labour members 13% 19% 12% 9% 47% — 28%
13–15 January 2020 YouGov/Sky News 1,005 Labour members 8% 15% 12% 8% 57% — 42%
8–13 January 2020 Survation/LabourList 3,800 LabourList readers 5% 19% 8% 9% 60% <1% 41%

Results

The result of the election as well as the corresponding contest for leader of the Labour Party was announced at 10:45 (BST) on 4 April 2020. The announcement was originally due to take place at a special conference in London, but because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic it was cancelled in favour of a "scaled-back event".[40] Because of this, members would only find out the results by means of an email and coverage in the mainstream media.

Angela Rayner was elected.[41] Rosena Allin-Khan came second, which was different from the results predicted by opinion polls.

Candidate First round Second round Third round
Votes % Votes % Votes %
Angela Rayner 192,168 41.7 209,698 46.5 228,944 52.6
Rosena Allin-Khan 77,351 16.8 88,049 19.5 113,858 26.1
Richard Burgon 80,053 17.3 88,664 19.7 92,643 21.3
Ian Murray 61,179 13.3 64,560 14.3 Eliminated
Dawn Butler 50,255 10.9 Eliminated

Timeline

Overview

Candidate status
Active candidate
Candidate withdrew
Events
Watson announces resignation
Nominations from the PLP and EPLP close
Nominations from CLPs and affiliates open
Nominations from CLPs and affiliates close
Membership ballot opens
Membership ballot closes
Result announced
Khalid Mahmood (British politician)Angela RaynerIan Murray (Scottish politician)Dawn ButlerRichard BurgonRosena Allin-Khan

2019

November

December

2020

January

February

April

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Tom Watson stepped down as Deputy Leader on 12 December 2019.

References

  1. ^ Stewart, Heather (6 November 2019). "Tom Watson quits as Labour deputy leader and steps down as MP". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  2. ^ Elgot, Jessica (10 July 2016). "Labour leadership contest: what are the rules?". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 July 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Who will be Labour's next leader?". BBC News. 13 December 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  4. ^ Zodgekar, Ketaki; Durrant, Tim (6 January 2020). "Labour Party leadership contests". Institute for Government. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
  5. ^ a b Bush, Stephen (13 December 2019). "How does the Labour leadership election work?". New Statesman. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  6. ^ Jones, Harrison (7 November 2019). "Dawn Butler to stand for Labour Deputy Leader after Tom Watson's resignation". Metro. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
  7. ^ a b Binding, Lucia (31 December 2019). "Richard Burgon MP will stand to be Labour's deputy leader". Sky News. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
  8. ^ Sparrow, Andrew; Blackall, Molly (31 December 2019). "Labour leadership: Richard Burgon confirms he's standing for deputy leader - live news". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
  9. ^ a b c Bartlett, Nicola (6 January 2020). "Angela Rayner launches deputy Labour leader bid saying party must 'win or die'". Mirror Online. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  10. ^ a b Walker, Jonathan (9 January 2020). "Birmingham MP Khalid Mahmood pulls out of contest to be Labour's Deputy Leader". BirminghamLive. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
  11. ^ "Labour leadership: Five candidates through as nominations close". BBC News. 13 January 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  12. ^ Rodgers, Sienna (7 January 2020). "Dr Rosena Allin-Khan unveils deputy leadership campaign". LabourList.
  13. ^ Chaplain, Chloe (24 December 2019). "Dawn Butler's Labour Party credentials as she prepares to stand for deputy leader". i News. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
  14. ^ Murray, Ian (7 January 2020). "Labour must become an alternative government of the future, not a protest movement of the past". Mirror Online. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  15. ^ Proctor, Kate (6 January 2020). "Angela Rayner: I'm a socialist but not a 'Corbynite'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  16. ^ Maguire, Kevin; Bloom, Dan (17 December 2019). "Khalid Mahmood announces bid to be Labour's deputy leader". Mirror Online. Retrieved 17 December 2019.
  17. ^ a b Ashworth, Jonathan [@JonAshworth] (6 January 2020). "She's a socialist, a trade unionist, she's always been rooted in the Labour movement, understands real life, is in touch and knows we're in the fight of our lives to win again. I've no hesitation in backing my friend @AngelaRayner" (Tweet). Retrieved 6 January 2020 – via Twitter.
  18. ^ Woodcock, Andrew (6 January 2020). "Yvette Cooper announces she will not stand in Labour leadership race". The Independent. Archived from the original on 7 January 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  19. ^ Steerpike (7 January 2020). "Lavery backs out of Labour's leadership race". The Spectator. Archived from the original on 7 January 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  20. ^ a b Bloom, Dan; Milne, Oliver (8 January 2020). "Who's backing who for Labour leader? Full list of MP nominations for each candidate". Mirror Online. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  21. ^ Maguire, Patrick (6 November 2019). "Conor McGinn planning to run for Labour deputy leadership". New Statesman. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  22. ^ Maguire, Patrick (7 January 2020). "Conor McGinn out of Labour deputy race". New Statesman. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  23. ^ Stewart, Heather (3 January 2020). "Jess Phillips confirms she will stand for Labour leadership". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
  24. ^ "Deputy Leadership 2020". The Labour Party. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
  25. ^ McInnes, Liz (24 February 2020). "Why I'm backing Rosena Allin-Khan for deputy leader". LabourList. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  26. ^ Onn, Melanie (9 January 2020). "She's captivated voters from Tooting to Grimsby – now, Rosena Allin-Khan should be Labour's next deputy leader". The Independent. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  27. ^ a b Rodgers, Sienna (28 January 2020). "Richard Burgon calls for Labour to "modernise" by adopting "new Clause IV"". LabourList. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  28. ^ Syal, Rajeev (6 February 2020). "Failing to elect Long-Bailey risks return to 2015, union chief tells Labour". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  29. ^ "Labour leadership: Brown and Blair endorse Ian Murray's deputy bid". BBC News. 29 January 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  30. ^ Schofield, Kevin (29 January 2020). "EXCL Gordon Brown backs Ian Murray's bid to become deputy Labour leader". PoliticsHome. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  31. ^ a b c "Tony Blair and Labour grandees back Ian Murray in bid to become deputy leader". Politics Home. 25 February 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  32. ^ Robinson, Joe (15 January 2020). "Former Flintshire MP David Hanson fronting Labour MP's campaign to become party deputy leader". The Leader. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  33. ^ Shipley, Andy (22 December 2019). "Will Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray be the next deputy leader of the Labour Party?". Edinburgh News. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
  34. ^ Smeeth, Ruth (15 January 2020). "Why I'm backing Ian Murray for deputy leader". Labour List. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  35. ^ Turley, Anna [@annaturley] (24 February 2020). "I'm really proud to be voting for @IanMurrayMP for Deputy today. He's got a track record of winning & is the only candidate who sees the scale of the challenge before us. He's a really decent guy too with real Labour values in his DNA. Proud to cast my vote for him" (Tweet). Retrieved 30 September 2022 – via Twitter.
  36. ^ Wilson, Phil [@PhilWilsonXMP] (26 February 2020). "We need @IanMurrayMP as the next @UKLabour Deputy Leader. He is the best person for the job. We need to win Scotland back to form a government. We should never forget that" (Tweet). Retrieved 30 September 2022 – via Twitter.
  37. ^ "From 'rising star' MP to claiming universal credit". BBC News. 14 May 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  38. ^ Sparrow, Andrew (16 January 2020). "Momentum commits to 'mobilising thousands' for Long-Bailey after 70% of members back her for leader". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  39. ^ Rodgers, Sienna (31 January 2020). "Open Labour Set to Back Nandy for leader based on member ballot". LabourList. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  40. ^ "BBC News - Coronavirus: Labour leadership announcement cancelled". BBC News. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  41. ^ "Sir Keir Starmer wins Labour leadership election as Angela Rayner is named deputy". ITV News. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  42. ^ "Labour leadership election results: time new leader to succeed Jeremy Corbyn will be announced". Liverpool Echo. 4 April 2020. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
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