Lucy Powell, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, delivered a scathing critique of Nigel Farage during her keynote address at the Fabian Society New Year Conference on January 7, 2024. Powell characterized Farage, the leader of Reform UK, as “Thatcher’s heir” and accused him of perpetuating policies that maintain child poverty in the UK.
In her speech, Powell described Farage as the “love child” of former Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and the controversial politician Enoch Powell. She emphasized that rather than being an outsider challenging the political establishment, Farage represents a continuation of the old guard, advocating for policies that favor the wealthy while neglecting ordinary citizens.
“Week after week, and defection after defection, it’s increasingly clear that Nigel Farage is not an insurgent,” Powell stated. “He’s the old establishment, and for the economic status quo.” She criticized his alignment with a “long line of right-wingers” who support austerity measures, trickle-down economics, and scapegoating immigrants for societal issues.
Powell’s remarks highlighted her belief that Farage supports the interests of the wealthy over working-class citizens. She claimed he is “anti-worker and for bad bosses,” and accused him of opposing pay raises for low-wage younger workers and resisting infrastructure improvements in areas like the North of England.
“Farage’s diagnosis of the problems facing this country is fundamentally wrong,” she continued. “He isn’t promising change, but the same economic model which has battered ordinary people, while the wealthy like him have weathered the storms we’ve faced.”
In addition to her critique of Farage, Powell reiterated Labour’s commitment to addressing the cost-of-living crisis affecting families across the UK. She urged the party to effectively communicate its vision and priorities to the public, echoing language used by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
“Despite international headwinds, Labour must stay on its course of addressing the cost of living storm families face,” Powell asserted. “We have a big argument to make and win. For too long, the country hasn’t worked for ordinary people, and we’re the ones fixing it.”
Powell emphasized that the challenges of today require a reevaluation of Labour’s approach, stating, “Where before, redistribution was our watchword, the challenges of today mean that won’t suffice. We’re fundamentally rewiring the country by taking on vested interests and making the economy work in the interests of the many, not the few.”
The remarks made at the Fabian Society Conference signal Labour’s intent to position itself as the party of change, particularly in contrast to the established political narratives represented by figures like Farage. As the political landscape in the UK continues to evolve, Powell’s address underscores Labour’s strategy in addressing contemporary economic and social issues.
