Half of government should be female, Labour women tell Burnham

Female Labour Members of Parliament are pressing Andy Burnham to commit to a 50:50 gender split within his government should he ascend to the role of prime minister in July. A draft letter from the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party (WPLP), obtained by the BBC, argues that Labour must set a precedent for equality through its own personnel if it wishes to be recognized as the party championing this cause.

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We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government.

The WPLP insists that change must begin at the highest level, stating, "We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government." The letter highlights that Labour has never elected a female leader, contrasting this with the Conservative Party, which has had three female prime ministers and is currently led by Kemi Badenoch. Concerns are also raised about potential appointments, with top contenders for Chancellor Rachel Reeves's position reportedly being men, and Labour ally James Purnell expected to become chief of staff, a role shared by two women under Sir Keir Starmer.

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to have more Milibands in the great offices of state than women

One WPLP member expressed that it would be unacceptable "to have more Milibands in the great offices of state than women," referencing Energy Secretary Ed Miliband as a potential Chancellor and the possibility of his brother, David Miliband, returning to UK politics. However, Burnham reportedly moved to reassure the WPLP during a recent meeting, pledging to dismiss any staff found to be undermining women within his team. Labour MPs have voiced complaints about feeling marginalized by what they describe as a "boy's club culture" in Westminster, attributing it to scandals, structural misogyny, bullying, and a failure to address reports of sexual harassment.

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We have fought very hard to achieve our electoral success only to find that we are battling within our own party to be heard as women.

The draft letter outlines a 13-point plan to dismantle barriers to gender equality. This includes calls for a female deputy prime minister and a dedicated first minister of state for women. It also demands zero tolerance for bullying, misogyny, and unprofessional behavior from Downing Street staff and parliamentarians that diminishes women's contributions. The WPLP also draws attention to the specific threats faced by female MPs, particularly those from ethnic minorities, advocating for enhanced security and legislative action against online abuse and deepfakes. This group previously advocated for Sir Keir Starmer to appoint a woman as first secretary of state, a significant but vacant government role.

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Rooms where decisions are being made are often closed to us leading to blind spots in appointment decisions and policy development.