Female Labour MPs are pressuring Andy Burnham to pledge a 50:50 gender split for senior ministerial positions should he assume the role of prime minister this July. A draft document from the Women’s Parliamentary Labour Party (WPLP) asserts that the party must demonstrate its commitment to equality through its internal staffing choices.
The WPLP highlights a historical lack of female leadership within Labour and expresses concern over reports that Burnham may replace Chancellor Rachel Reeves with male candidates. There is also apprehension regarding the potential return of figures like James Purnell and Ed Miliband to high-ranking government roles, which some MPs argue would perpetuate a male-dominated power structure.
In response to these concerns, Burnham has pledged to act as an ally and remove any staff members who undermine female colleagues. The WPLP is pushing for a 13-point agenda that includes appointing a female deputy prime minister, creating a specific cabinet role for women, and establishing a zero-tolerance policy regarding bullying and misogyny within Downing Street.
Furthermore, the group seeks enhanced security for MPs, particularly those from minority backgrounds, to combat online harassment and deepfake threats. As the primary candidate to succeed Sir Keir Starmer, Burnham faces a significant test in balancing his cabinet appointments with the demand for structural change within Westminster.
