Tony Bonsignore
Political reporter, BBC Westminster

Lucy Powell's local radio interviews highlight three challenges facing Andy Burnham's government in the run up to the next election.

The first is to give people a bit of hope about the future - whilst acknowledging the harsh economic reality. Labour's deputy leader spoke repeatedly about a "resilient economy" and "green shoots", in the face of "global headwinds".

But as numerous presenters have pointed out, listeners regularly say otherwise.

The second challenge is to provide some relief on the cost of living - whilst recognising the pressures on the public finances.

One issue that came up again and again was the spiralling price of petrol and diesel, and whilst Lucy Powell wasn't able to offer any answers, the repeated questions will have been noted in Number 10.

And finally, the government needs to convince people that it's making progress on the issues that matter to them, including small boat crossings.

Lucy Powell wanted to highlight the work being done to tackle illegal crossings, and the fact that the numbers are down. But it's clear that many listeners either don't believe the government - or think more needs to be done.

We're ending our live coverage here - thanks for joining us.

Malu Cursino
Live reporter

We'll soon be wrapping up coverage of Labour Deputy Leader Lucy Powell's round of BBC local radio interviews ahead of her party's conference in Liverpool. Here's what she said:

Powell defended her government's decision to pause local government reorganisationto BBC Hereford & Worcester, saying it is a complex process.

Neets, young people not in education, employment or training, came up on BBC Radio Newcastle, where Powell acknowledged regional gaps and said schools will be given additional support to catch up.

On small boat crossings, Powell told BBC Radio Kent the government is taking steps to curb numbers, calling recent unescorted arrivals unacceptable. “It’s not easy, if we had a switch that we could switch tomorrow to stop all small boats, we would switch it”, she said. She continued to defend the government's track-record to BBC Radio Solent.

The deputy leader was challenged on the economy by BBC Radio Leicester, where she insisted on painting “a more optimistic picture” ahead of next month’s Budget. On soaring fuel prices, she said the UK was not alone in facing significant headwinds because of the war in the Middle East.

Devolution came up again on BBC Radio Cornwall, where Powell said that Cornwall would "greatly benefit in terms of transport and powers over buses".

In her final interview, she was asked about giving more powers to large counties which - like Shropshire - don't have cities. Powell said investment "won't begin and end with mayors", adding: "it will come to all parts of the country".

Has growth been upgraded as Powell says?published at 11:38 BST

11:38 BST

By Nichols Barrett

Speaking to BBC Radio Leicester earlier, Lucy Powell said new figures out this week show economic growth forecasts have “been upgraded” and “inflation forecasts have come down” for next year in the UK.

She appears to have been referring to an outlook published by influential Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Wednesday, which did cut its inflation forecast for the UK in 2026 from 3.7% to 3.1% and upgraded its forecast for growth 0.9% to 1.1%.

However, while the outlook for 2026 improved, the OECD report also warned the UK economy will grow by very slightly less than expected in 2027. It now expects growth of 1% next year, down from its previous estimate of 1.1%.

The OECD’s more negative forecast for global growth next year was partially driven by conflict in the Middle East having pushed up the cost fuel and energy, driving up inflation around the world.

Joshua Nevett
Political reporter

Another big theme of these interviews was the issue of supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The government is in the process of overhauling England's SEND system, and as education secretary, Lucy Powell is leading that effort.

In one interview with BBC Radio Shropshire, Powell was candid about the challenge.

“We have got a SEND crisis that is both adversarial and difficult to navigate for parents,” she said. “But also not delivering the kind of outcomes we want.”

The SEND reforms are aiming to provide faster support while narrowing the long-term use of legal plans.

This will take time. So for now, the education secretary can point to a system in “crisis” and blame previous governments.

“We do need to reverse this issue because it’s a real blight for families and communities,” she said.

But once the changes kick in, it’s Powell and the Labour government that will have to answer for outcomes.

Chloe Hughes
West Midlands

Lucy Powell is questioned by Radio Shropshire's Michaela Wylde about how rural communities will be affected by Prime Minister Andy Burnham's plan to give all mayors of city regions in England a share of income tax revenue for the first time.

Shropshire is a large, rural county with no cities, but Powell says that transferring power "doesn't begin and end with mayoral authorities".

"We want to distribute powers we have in Whitehall where they can be most effective," says Powell.

"That will also mean rural areas like Shropshire - where you haven’t got a mayor and might not want a mayor in the future - so that you can make better decisions, and you can have more control over those decisions that really matter for your area."

She cites issues like local transport such as buses, working with local business and investment, and improving health services which are harder to come by in rural communities.

"It won't begin and end with mayors - this will come to all parts of the country," she says.

Powell has finished her media round with BBC local radio stations - we'll bring you more analysis and context shortly, stick with us.

Stephen Stafford
BBC South

BBC Radio Solent's Katie Martin also pushed Powell on the issue of small boats crossing the channel, following the landing of a so-called mega dinghy with 120 migrants on board at Eastney on 6 September.

"Small boat crossings are significantly down this year," Powell says. "In fact they are significantly lower than anytime in the last six years, thanks to all the steps we are taking."

"As we close down some avenues and routes, the criminal gangs look for and find new ways to deliver their terrible business model.

"And we will continue to close down all those avenues and take whatever steps necessary to stop that from happening. That means not allowing new routes to open up and we’re taking very stringent steps to stop that."

She dismisses claims that the UK was perceived as an "attractive destination".

"We’ve returned more people this year than have been returned for many years. Those who have no right to be here have been returned quickly and effectively.

"The perception that there is a life of luxury here is not right at all," Powell adds.

Archie Farmer
BBC News, South West

BBC Radio Cornwall's Julie Skentelbery asks Lucy Powell about the timeline for a devolution deal for Cornwall.

The deputy leader says there are "lots and lots of activity and conversations going on" and the government has "been really clear that that doesn't need to happen by having a mayor anymore".

"I think Cornwall will be a great beneficiary of that and the Labour Cornish MPs are on our heels every day about delivering on that promise.

"I think Cornwall will greatly benefit in terms of transport and powers over busses."

But pressed on the specific needs for a rural area, Powell acknowledges it costs more for things like bus services.

Local leaders would have the ability to make decisions about local funding and where the money goes, she adds, refusing to answer whether or not they'd receive more money under the deal.

For context: In September, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the government would work with Cornwall Council and its six MPs on a devolution deal "with or without an elected mayor".

Elly Zaniewicka
Senior political reporter, BBC Westminster

Lucy Powell has been telling BBC local radio stations she’s “optimistic” when it comes to the economy.

It’s a tricky balancing act for Labour’s deputy leader who is keen to show she understands how the cost of living crisis is affecting people, especially when it comes to fuel and energy bills, while at the same time offering hope that the government’s doing what it can to ease the pressure.

Speaking to Radio Newcastle’s Anna Foster, Lucy Powell said her party has taken “long hard look at ourselves” since May’s disastrous local election results and that’s “why we have a new prime minister”.

As a close ally of Andy Burnham, Lucy Powell’s election as deputy leader was seen as a turning point for the party.

Now she’s urging people to “give us another look”, insisting the Burnham government is helping people “breathe a bit easier” and “getting more control back” of everyday essentials.

Dan Martin
BBC Leicester

Radio Leicester's Ben Jackson challenges Lucy Powell on the cost of living crisis, asking her whether government efforts to help people were being “eradicated” by soaring fuel prices.

She says next month's Budget will address the cost of living, but there are some factors "that were a bit outside our control".

Powell says she would "paint a more optimistic picture" but added that all countries were facing significant global economic headwinds, driven by the war in the Middle East.

The government is doing everything it can to tackle the issue, she adds.

Powell says, according to new data from the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development yesterday, the economy was growing faster than those of competitor countries and that inflation forecasts for next year had fallen.

"I know the cost of petrol, and filling up the tank, has gone up again. It's a real challenge for people," she adds.

Powell will be on BBC Radio Cornwall next.

Craig Buchan
BBC Kent

Powell, speaking on BBC Radio Kent, accepts it is “unacceptable" that two small boats arrived on UK shores undetected in recent days.

This is why the home secretary ordered an urgent review into the landings, she says.

She says they have "significantly reduced" the number of people arriving on small boat crossings which has "taken a huge amount of work".

“If we had a switch that we could switch tomorrow to stop all small boats we would switch it."

She says the government is taking steps to reduce the number of people arriving via small boat, including extra resources and new legislation.

“I know that people want this to happen faster. We are taking those steps, it is working.”

The total of small boat arrivals so far this year - 17,784 - is down almost 45% compared with figures for the same time last year.

Next, she's due to speak to BBC Radio Leicester.

Joshua Nevett
Political reporter

Let's turn back to Lucy Powell's interview with BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester, where she was asked about the decision to pause a major shake-up of local government.

She insisted the Labour government still wants to “rewire this country so power and decision making is in the hands of local communities”.

Angela Rayner, Local Government Secretary, announced the pause “in light of legal advice” earlier this month.

Proposals to merge smaller councils to form larger authorities in Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk have been withdrawn, and plans for 14 other areas are being reviewed.

But Powell said this huge reorganisation of local authorities will not “go at the same pace and in the same way that it was previously while we get some of the legalities right”.

A hint that this reorganisation's shape will change in some way. What that looks like remains unclear.

Tom MacDougall
BBC North East and Cumbria

On the number of 16-24-year-old's not in education, employment or training (Neet) in the north east, Lucy Powell tells BBC Radio Newcastle's Anna Foster: "The gap between your region and other regions is unfortunately growing."

She says the "standards are not as good as in other parts of the country", but schools will be given "extra support" to catch up.

Powell cites the introduction of new vocational GCSEs - such as engineering, construction, or textiles - as a way to help young people get into work, but says academic subjects will still remain the "core" of the curriculum.

However, the vocational courses could "engage" some students and help improve their performance across the board, she says.

Briefly touching on the welfare bill, she says they need to get it down but won't do it through a "programme of crude cuts", and instead it's about supporting people "where they can work" to get into work.

Up next, Lucy Powell faces questions from BBC Radio Kent.

Elliot Ball
BBC West Midlands

In her first interview with BBC local radio today, Lucy Powell has defended her party's decision to pause the local government reorganisation (LGR) of 14 areas in England.

The proposal would have seen Worcestershire County Council and the area's six district councils replaced with two new unitary authorities.

The deputy Labour leader tells BBC Hereford & Worcester it was a "difficult issue".

"It's obviously a complex process and we have hit the pause so we can work with local communities to get this right," she says, adding: "In the end this will deliver, I really do believe."

"We want to re-wire this country" so power and decision making is in the hands of local community, she adds.

Powell says "local areas need have the capacity and need to be equipped",when asked about the county council's appointment of an LGR director on a six-figure salary, who will stay despite the decision to pause the programme.

For context: The plans originated under Keir Starmer's government, but in early September Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner announced a review in light of new legal advice.

The BBC local radio interviews with Lucy Powell have begun.

First up is BBC Hereford & Worcester presenter Elliott Webb, who is now questioning the Labour Party deputy leader.

You can watch live at the top of the page and we'll also bring you the key lines here.

Tony Bonsignore
Political reporter, BBC Westminster

Image source, PA Media

Labour members will head to the party’s annual conference in Liverpool this weekend feeling a mixture of optimism and trepidation.

The renewed sense of optimism comes directly from this summer’s change of leader. The arrival of Andy Burnham in Number 10 has given the party a lift in morale and a boost in the polls, for the time being at least.

It’s in stark contrast to 12 months ago and the gloom that surrounded Keir Starmer’s final conference as Labour leader.

But senior Labour figures also know that tough times - and decisions - lie ahead. The public finances are stretched, government borrowing costs have surged and economic growth remains weak. Spending cuts, tax rises or both could form part of next month’s Budget.

Burnham’s challenge will be to sound positive about the future while acknowledging the current harsh economic realities.

And a real political danger may be overpromising, given that many of the driving factors behind the cost-of-living crisis - for example, surging oil and gas prices - are beyond the government's control.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell has already been speaking to the BBC this morning ahead of her local media round.

During an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, she said "it’s a concern" that in recent days two small boats carrying migrants crossing the Channel have landed on UK shores without being intercepted.

Migrants crossing the Channel are usually brought to shore by Border Security Command or RNLI boats and no boats had arrived into UK shores unescorted since 6 September 2025.

Asked if the incident was embarrassing, Powell says "(you) can't stop everything all of the time". She acknowledged it was a concern, highlighting Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's request for an "urgent review".

The education secretary adds that while the unescorted arrivals were "not acceptable", the overall picture was "improving".

The total of migrants to have arrived in the UK this year after crossing the Channel by boat - 17,784 - is down 44.7% compared with figures for 22 September 2025, at which point 32,188 migrants had arrived that year.

Tony Bonsignore
Political reporter, BBC Westminster

Image source, EPA

Lucy Powell has been deputy leader of the Labour Party for almost a year now, having been elected to the role within weeks of her sacking as Commons leader by then Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Born in Moss Side, Manchester, in 1974, her political career began in Labour headquarters during the 1997 election.

She has been the MP for Manchester Central since November 2012 and now serves as education secretary as well. It is one of a number of high-profile roles held during her time in Parliament, including shadow education secretary.

She was appointed Commons leader following the 2024 general election. Her sacking by Starmer from that role just over a year later came as something of surprise.

Powell responded by standing for - and winning - the role of deputy leader and backed the leadership bid of her friend, ally and fellow Mancunian Andy Burnham. She had previously supported his failed 2015 leadership bid, but this time saw him appointed prime minister after Starmer's resignation.

Image source, PA Media

The Labour Party's deputy leader Lucy Powell is taking part in a round of interviews with BBC local radio presenters this morning as the political conference season continues.

We'll be giving a similar opportunity to figures from across the main Westminster parties ahead of their conferences - we've already heard from Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey.

It is the turn of Labour this week with the party's annual conference due to begin in Liverpool on Sunday.

First up to quiz Powell is Elliott Webb on BBC Hereford & Worcester from 10:08 BST, with Anna Foster up next on BBC Radio Newcastle and Anna Cookson on BBC Radio Kent.

They will be followed by Ben Jackson on BBC Radio Leicester, Julie Skentelbery on BBC Radio Cornwall and Katie Martin on BBC Radio Solent.

Rounding out the hour with the final questions from 10:52 will be Michaela Wylde on BBC Radio Shropshire.

We'll be bringing you key lines from the interviews, which you will be able to stream back-to-back by clicking watch live at the top of the page.