BOTH candidates vying to become Labour’s new deputy leader have little track record of representing “genuine” Labour values, grassroots left group Momentum said today.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson and recently sacked Commons leader Lucy Powell were the only candidates to secure enough support from fellow MPs to make it past the first round in the contest to succeed Angela Rayner, who quit over her tax affairs.

Neither has so far been openly critical of Sir Keir Starmer, while other candidates have explicitly called for a change of direction.

Despite being sacked by Sir Keir last week, Ms Powell said that she had been “proud” to serve in government when announcing her candidacy.

Ms Phillipson has vowed to “unite the party, take the fight to Reform, and deliver for our country.”

A spokesman for Momentum said: “Labour members are left with two candidates in the race with little track record of representing genuine Labour values. 

“Although Starmer’s allies have, for now, succeeded in their goals of preventing a full democratic contest, their project is on borrowed time.”

Candidates needed the support of 80 MPs by 5pm on Thursday to enter the next stage of the contest.

The left’s candidate Bell Ribeiro-Addy only made it to 24 before the deadline.

The TSSA union, which had backed the MP, said they were “disappointed,” adding that she “best alligned with our values” on issues including expansion of workers’ rights, public ownership, opposing welfare cuts, and an end to arming of Israel.

“These views are backed by our members, and we believe most Labour members too,” the union said in a statement.

“They should be represented in the debate, and we call on the [remaining] candidates… to ensure that they are.”

Ms Rayner resigned last weekend after an independent inquiry found that she did not meet the ethical standards required for government ministers over a recent home purchase.

Nominations for the next stage of the contest open today, where candidates must secure the support of 5 per cent of constituency parties or at least three affiliates, including at least two affiliated trade unions.

No union has yet declared a preference.

The ballot for candidates who clear the nomination hurdles will open on October 8 and close at noon on October 23, with the winner announced on October 25.