Lucy Powell calls for cultural change under Burnham leadership
Lucy Powell has insisted a “boys club” culture within No 10, including “nasty” anonymous briefings targeting women, will change under Andy Burnham, the presumptive successor to Sir Keir Starmer, reports BritPanorama.
Labour’s deputy leader expressed her belief that the “unpleasant” culture would be different under Mr Burnham, telling The Guardian that during Sir Keir’s tenure, “there was very clearly a pattern over time of anonymous nasty briefings against colleagues being disproportionately meted out to women.”
She continued, “But there was also a culture that became very factional, and appointments being made on the basis of which faction or which friendship group you were in… It was not a meritocracy in any sense and not a broad church.”
Powell, a backer of Burnham, stated that these briefings fostered an environment where individuals felt unable to speak out for fear of being marked within the party. Female Cabinet ministers—herself included, alongside Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper—were said to have been disproportionately targeted within this “boys club” at the top of government.
When asked if she believed this culture would shift under Mr Burnham, Powell replied: “I do – how is something we’ll all need to help with, and be part of.”
Mr Burnham reportedly informed women in the Parliamentary Labour Party this week that he would terminate any team member found to have issued negative briefings.
As speculation mounts regarding his Cabinet selections, there is significant anticipation surrounding the inclusion of women in his top team.
Powell emphasized that the discussion was “not about quotas,” but about ensuring that diverse perspectives were considered, leading to “better decisions.”
Makerfield MP Burnham, who has been accused of avoiding scrutiny leading up to his anticipated entry into Downing Street as early as July 20, posted a video on Instagram addressing questions from the public. His responses mainly highlighted previously outlined plans, such as taking “stronger public control of essential services” and overseeing the “biggest council house building programme this country has seen since the Second World War.”
The video followed his Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit, after facing criticism for not engaging with journalists following what has been his sole major speech of the leadership campaign thus far.
Meanwhile, outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in his first sit-down interview since announcing his resignation, stated that Labour “should go on to win the next election” under Mr Burnham, crediting him for his work in government.
Reflecting on his own achievements as Prime Minister and as leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir cited actions against antisemitism in opposition, the 2024 general election victory, and the economic stabilization achieved over the past two years.
He noted, “My successor will have a platform to build on, which means that Labour can go on and should go on to win the next election.” He expressed his wish to ensure a successful transition, emphasizing, “It’s the end of my journey in politics. I’m very clear about that.”
Sir Keir affirmed he harbored no “personal animosity” towards Mr Burnham, indicating he would support the next administration, offering counsel only “if asked for.”
