Why it matters: The Ipswich MP is backing the Education Secretary in the race to replace Angela Rayner, who resigned as deputy leader on 5 September 2025 after underpaying stamp duty tax.
What he's saying: Abbott said, "I am backing Bridget Phillipson for Deputy Leader because she is giving children the best start in life.
"My priority as Ipswich's MP is to change the lives of children and their families, and through Bridget's drive, leadership and ambition, that is exactly what our Labour Government is doing."
The details: The deputy leadership election was triggered following Ms Rayner's resignation as both deputy prime minister and deputy leader of the Labour Party. Ms Rayner had served in the role since winning the 2020 deputy leadership election and continued through Labour's victory in the 2024 general election.
Two candidates have met the Parliamentary Labour Party nominations threshold: Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell.
For context: This is the first deputy leadership election held by Labour in government since the 2007 deputy leadership election. The National Executive Committee decided the timeline of the campaign on 8 September, delaying it from the party's conference in late September to allow more time for the process.
The bottom line: Ipswich's MP has made clear his support for the Education Secretary in the race to become Labour's next deputy leader, emphasising her work on children and families as the key reason for his backing.
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