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Female Labour MPs are calling on Andy Burnham to commit to achieving an equal gender balance within his government if he becomes prime minister in July. A draft letter from the Women’s Parliamentary Labour Party (WPLP), reviewed by the BBC, emphasizes that Labour must set an example by ensuring gender equality among its senior officials in order to be recognized as a truly equal party.
The WPLP urges Burnham to initiate this transformation immediately, highlighting the need to confront the entrenched toxicity and misogyny that exist within the party and government. They argue that meaningful change must begin at the highest levels of leadership. Despite the Conservative Party having had three female prime ministers and currently being led by a woman, Labour has never had a woman elected to lead the party.
Among the anticipated changes, Burnham is reportedly planning to replace Rachel Reeves, the first woman to serve as Chancellor, with a male candidate. Additionally, James Purnell, an ally from the New Labour era, is expected to return as Burnham’s chief of staff, a role previously held jointly by two women under Keir Starmer. Concerns have been voiced within the WPLP about the disproportionate presence of men like the Miliband brothers in key government positions compared to women. Ed Miliband may be considered for Chancellor, with speculation that his brother David could re-enter UK politics, possibly as foreign secretary via a peerage.
Burnham has sought to reassure female MPs that he supports their interests, promising to dismiss any staff members who undermine women. Labour women have expressed frustration over what they describe as a “boy’s club” atmosphere in Westminster, which they say has fostered sexism, bullying, and a culture that has overlooked sexual harassment. The draft letter asserts that despite Labour’s electoral achievements, women still struggle to have their voices heard. It notes that decision-making rooms are often closed to women, hampering policy development and appointments, which weakens government effectiveness.
In its 13-point plan to remove obstacles to gender equality, the WPLP proposes appointing a female deputy prime minister and establishing a distinct first minister of state for women. The plan also demands zero tolerance toward bullying and misogyny from Downing Street staff and parliamentarians, while calling for measures to combat unprofessional behavior that undermines women’s contributions. Recognizing particular threats to female MPs from ethnic minorities, the letter calls for enhanced security and legislative action to tackle online abuse and the misuse of deepfake technology.
Previously, the same faction had pressed Keir Starmer to fill the influential but vacant role of first secretary of state with a woman. Harriet Harman, former Labour deputy leader and acting party leader on two occasions, has been a persistent advocate for gender equality within Labour. Harman was appointed by Starmer as an adviser on women and girls following controversy over Peter Mandelson’s nomination as US ambassador, a decision she argued would not have occurred if women had been involved in the process.
Andy Burnham is presently the sole Labour MP who has declared an intention to replace Sir Keir Starmer, which means he could assume the premiership as soon as 20 July if no other candidates emerge. He has expressed support for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and is expected to reward senior northern Labour MPs who backed his campaign, including deputy leader Lucy Powell and former transport secretary Louise Haigh, who managed his Makerfield by-election campaign
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