Half of government should be female, Labour women tell Burnham
BBC News 2026-06-30 19:46:49
Context: Female Labour MPs are urging Andy Burnham to commit to a 50:50 gender split in his government if he becomes prime minister, citing the need for Labour to lead by example on equality and address a "boy's club culture" in Westminster. The push for change comes as Burnham is expected to become the next prime minister as early as July 20, with speculation surrounding his potential cabinet appointments. Labour has never had an elected female leader, and female MPs have complained of feeling undermined and excluded from decision-making processes.
Key Facts
- The Women's Parliamentary Labour Party (WPLP) has drafted a letter to Burnham, seen by the BBC, urging him to demonstrate a commitment to gender equality from "day one" and address the "toxicity and misogyny" within the party and government.
- The WPLP is calling for a 13-point plan to remove barriers to gender equality, including the appointment of a female deputy prime minister and a separate first minister of state for women, as well as a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and misogyny from No 10 staff and parliamentarians.
- Burnham is expected to remove Chancellor Rachel Reeves from her position and replace her with a man, with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband a possible contender for the role, sparking concerns that men may dominate top positions in his government.
- The WPLP has also highlighted the need for better security for female MPs, particularly those from ethnic minorities, and called for action through legislation to limit online abuse and deepfakes.
- Harriet Harman, a former Labour deputy leader, has long advocated for gender equality in the party and was brought in as an adviser on women and girls by Sir Keir Starmer following a backlash over Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.