Key facts
- Lucy Powell stated that Andy Burnham plans to reform the briefing culture at No. 10.
- Powell described the existing culture as a "boys club" that silenced critics and disproportionately targeted women.
- She indicated that appointments were not based on merit but on factional ties.
- Burnham has pledged to dismiss any staff found briefing negatively against women.
- Labour's female MPs have called for a 50/50 gender split in ministerial and staff appointments.
Lucy Powell, the deputy leader of the Labour party, has stated that Andy Burnham intends to reform the briefing culture at Downing Street, which she described as a "boys club" that silenced critics and disproportionately targeted women.
Powell recounted experiencing "unpleasant" briefings that created an atmosphere of fear, discouraging open challenge to No. 10's positions and affecting people's ability to perform their jobs. She specifically highlighted a pattern of anonymous, "nasty" briefings against female colleagues, including herself, Bridget Phillipson, and Yvette Cooper, suggesting a lack of meritocracy and a factional environment.
Burnham has reportedly vowed to dismiss any staff member found to be briefing negatively against women in his team. Labour's female Members of Parliament have also urged Burnham to commit to a 50/50 gender split for ministers and staff. Powell emphasized that this push for diversity is not about quotas but about ensuring better decision-making through varied opinions and representation.
In contrast, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Labour women, suggesting their demands were "toothless" if they did not challenge for leadership themselves. Powell responded that the debate was about respecting differences and valuing heard opinions, which leads to better policy and national outcomes.