politics
Female Labour MPs Urge Andy Burnham to Pledge 50:50 Gender Split
Female Labour MPs are pressing Andy Burnham to ensure equal numbers of men and women in senior roles if he becomes prime minister in July. A draft letter from the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party calls for change from day one and zero tolerance of misogyny. Burnham has reassured the group he supports their goals.
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Female Labour MPs are urging Andy Burnham to commit to a 50:50 gender split in his government if he becomes prime minister in July. BBC News reported that a draft letter from the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party states Labour must lead by example with its own personnel to be seen as the party of equality. The letter demands that change begin immediately.
It adds that rooms where decisions are made are often closed to women, leading to blind spots in appointments and policy. Burnham is expected to remove Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the first woman in the role, with top replacement contenders being men. He also plans to appoint James Purnell as chief of staff, a post shared by two women under Sir Keir Starmer.
The group's 13-point plan calls for a female deputy prime minister, a separate first minister of state for women, zero tolerance of bullying or misogyny from No 10 staff, better security for female MPs from ethnic minorities, and legislation to limit online abuse and deepfakes.
Labour has never had an elected female leader, while the Conservative Party has had three female prime ministers and is currently led by Kemi Badenoch. Burnham met the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party this week and promised to sack any staff who undermined women in his team.
He has praised Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and is expected to reward senior northern MPs including deputy leader Lucy Powell and former transport secretary Louise Haigh. If no other Labour MP announces a bid, Burnham could become prime minister as early as 20 July.
