Key facts
- Bridget Phillipson has been appointed Labour party chair.
- Phillipson replaces Anna Turley in the role.
Bridget Phillipson has been appointed Labour party chair, tasked with leading the party's campaign for the next general election. She replaces Anna Turley and will work alongside Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Powell.
The appointment of Bridget Phillipson as Labour party chair signals a strategic move by Prime Minister Andy Burnham to consolidate talent and focus the party's efforts on winning the next general election, with Phillipson tasked with driving significant cultural and operational changes.
Bridget Phillipson has been appointed as the new Labour party chair, a move seen as central to the party's strategy for the upcoming general election. Phillipson, who previously served as education secretary and oversaw a significant overhaul of special educational needs (Send) provision, will take over from Anna Turley. Turley has been moved to a new ministerial position within the Home Office following a recent government reshuffle.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that Phillipson's role will be crucial in driving cultural change within the party and preparing it for electoral success. He expressed his eagerness to work with her on this vital task. The appointment comes after a period of significant cabinet changes, with Phillipson being noted as a survivor in a reduced capacity.
This appointment is being interpreted as a gesture of unity, reflecting Burnham's commitment to utilizing the full spectrum of talent within the Labour party. Phillipson herself stated her intention to place "Labour values and the voices of our movement at the heart of government," aiming to unite communities and strengthen British society.
Phillipson's recent tenure as education secretary saw her replaced by Lucy Powell, a close ally of Burnham. Despite this change, Phillipson retained her cabinet position as women and equalities minister. Her work on making provision for children with Send more widely available in mainstream schools garnered praise from many Labour MPs, although it also faced criticism for potentially raising the threshold for qualifying for education, health and care plans (EHCPs).
Phillipson has also been a notable figure for her policy on applying a 20% VAT to private school fees, a stance that drew criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who labeled her a "spiteful class warrior." Phillipson embraced the label, stating she would wear it with pride if it meant lifting children out of poverty. Her background, growing up in a low-income, single-parent household, has informed her policy positions, including her advocacy for abolishing the two-child benefit cap.