LUCY Powell has been presented to the Labour Party conference as the next MP for Manchester Withington – by the Prime Minister.
The prospective parliamentary candidate was tipped to beat Liberal Democrat MP John Leech at the next election by Gordon Brown after she was chosen to introduce him for his opening speech at the Labour party conference.
He told the session in Bournemouth that she would be in post by the time of the party’s annual conference next September, following a general election in the spring.
Ms Powell was asked by the party’s general secretary Ray Collins to fulfil the high profile spot and speak before bringing on Gordon Brown and deputy leader of the party, Harriet Harman.
She said: "It was an honour to be asked, I was delighted. At last year’s conference I spoke from the floor, but to be asked to go on stage to introduce the Prime Minister is definitely a good gig. And he said some nice things by saying I would be the next MP in Withington."
During her five-minute speech Lucy spoke about The Christie hospital and the campaign to get back the £6.5 million it lost in the Icelandic banking collapse. She also spoke in praise of the Sure Start families’ centre in Old Moat, as a counter-argument to the Conservatives’ plans to make funding cuts across the Sure Start programme.
Ms Powell added: "People said last year that it was Gordon’s last chance and he has proved them wrong. There is a huge focus on him and he has risen to the challenge."
Gordon Brown has previously toured the constituency with her and told the Reporter that he regards the seat as a priority for Labour to win, following their loss to John Leech and the Lib Dems in 2005.
But Mr Leech poured cold water on Ms Powell’s chances of taking his job.
He said: "It is a little presumptuous. I would expect them at conference to promote their own candidate, but it is a typical stunt by the Labour Party. Big deal."
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Most recent user comments 5 of 5
Look at the bigger picture? ok....our country is in the mire with colossal debt, our education system is in a mess, the poorest in the land are relatively poorer than when Labour came into office, our Defence Ministers have totally lost the plot, our corporate governance is shot....and on and on and on.
I could have been really brief and said what good things Labour have done....oh, and let's not forget the broken promise about a referendum on Lisbon, the bringing back of Lord (hah) Mandelson and the appointment of Glenys Kinnock from the Lords (s she can't be challenged in the House).
Matthew, read a decent paper and open your eyes.
9/10/2009 at 20:15 Offensive or Inappropriate?
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4/10/2009 at 10:00 Offensive or Inappropriate?
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It's so easy to knock the government at this time without looking at the bigger picture. There is no doubt that Manchester and the country as a whole is more progressive and socially inclusive than under the last government. It's a little dull to question Lucy Powell's abilities without engaging in a fuller debate and suggesting viable alternatives. We are in real danger territory, lets question the Conservatives more?
3/10/2009 at 12:57 Offensive or Inappropriate?
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I do not doubt her integrity but to be seen endorsing this "walking dead" Prime Minister is likely to damage rather than boost her chances.
As Brown himself said when damned by one of the gutter press, the voters will decide.....and we will for sure, by booting this spendthrift government deep into the long grass.
Has Ms Powell ever been spotted in Didsbury?
1/10/2009 at 19:40 Offensive or Inappropriate?
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1/10/2009 at 15:47 Offensive or Inappropriate?
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