Lucy Powell, Labour's deputy leader and a Manchester City season ticket holder, has defended the club's trophy wins against criticism following their guilty verdict on 114 of 115 Premier League financial rule breaches. Speaking at a Labour conference event, Powell insisted that City's titles were not "tainted" and that the club should retain their silverware, which she described as "hard fought for". Her staunch defence of the club contrasts notably with the more cautious stance taken by Prime Minister Andy Burnham and other Cabinet members, who have urged against hasty conclusions.

The charges, dating back to the 2009-10 season following Abu Dhabi's acquisition of Manchester City, cover a period during which the club won numerous major trophies. City has consistently denied wrongdoing and maintains its intent to appeal the findings, with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak reaffirming the club's confidence in proving its innocence. Some have called for City to be stripped of titles won during the period in question should their appeal fail; however, PM Burnham advised that any conclusions should be reached only after careful study of the independent commission's report, whilst Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed hope for a swift resolution.