Key facts
- Female Labour MPs are urging Andy Burnham to commit to a 50:50 gender split in his government.
- A draft letter from the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party (WPLP) calls for Labour to lead by example on equality.
- The WPLP is demanding a female deputy prime minister and a minister for women.
- Concerns have been raised about potential male dominance in key government roles.
- Burnham has reportedly promised to address issues of misogyny and support women in his team.
Female Labour MPs are pressing Andy Burnham to commit to a 50:50 gender split within his government should he become prime minister in July. A draft letter from the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party (WPLP), seen by the BBC, states that Labour must lead by example with its own personnel if it wishes to be perceived as the party of equality.
The WPLP is demanding that change start at the top, urging Burnham to "demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government." Labour has never had an elected female leader, while the Conservative Party has had three. Concerns have been raised that Burnham might replace Chancellor Rachel Reeves with a man and bring back male allies to key positions, such as James Purnell as chief of staff.
One WPLP member suggested it would be unacceptable "to have more Milibands in the great offices of state than women," referencing Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and speculation about his brother David returning as foreign secretary. Burnham reportedly reassured the WPLP of his support at a recent meeting, promising to dismiss any staff who undermined women in his team.
Labour MPs have voiced complaints about a "boy's club culture" in Westminster, which they believe contributes to scandals, structural misogyny, bullying, and a disregard for reports of sexual harassment. The draft letter emphasizes that "rooms where decisions are being made are often closed to us leading to blind spots in appointment decisions and policy development," and that "the tendency of previous leaderships to sideline the voices of women makes us a weaker government."
The WPLP's 13-point plan includes calls for a female deputy prime minister and a dedicated first minister of state for women. It also advocates for zero tolerance of bullying or misogyny from No 10 staff and parliamentarians, and for action against unprofessional behavior that diminishes women's contributions. The letter also highlights threats to women, particularly female MPs from ethnic minorities, calling for enhanced security and legislation to limit online abuse and deepfakes.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the call for a 50:50 gender split as "failed identity politics," suggesting Labour women should "stop moaning and throw their hats into the ring" if they want power. Harriet Harman, a former Labour deputy leader, has long championed gender equality within the party. Burnham is currently the only declared candidate to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister.