Lucy Powell calls on Labour not to ‘write off’ May local elections

Exclusive: deputy leadership favourite says budget can revive party's appeal, while Bridget Phillipson pitches to channel grassroots views to cabinet

Labour should not write off" next May's elections as a likely moment for big losses but use the budget as a way to seize back voters' attention, Lucy Powell has said as the battle to be the party's deputy leadership entered its final period.

With voting among party members under way, Bridget Phillipson, Powell's rival for the post, said if she won she would set up a formal system to reflect the views of members and unions to the cabinet on a regular basis.