Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell has said that the “boys club” culture of “nasty” anonymous briefings in Downing Street will change under Andy Burnham, who is widely expected to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. Powell, a key ally of Burnham, told The Guardian that under Starmer’s premiership, there was a clear pattern of such briefings being disproportionately directed at women.
Pattern of targeting female ministers
“There was very clearly a pattern over time of anonymous nasty briefings against colleagues being disproportionately meted out to women,” Powell said. She described a culture that became “very factional,” with appointments based on faction or friendship groups rather than merit. “It was not a meritocracy in any sense and not a broad church,” she added.
Powell herself, along with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, were among the female Cabinet ministers targeted. She said the briefings created an atmosphere where colleagues feared speaking out, lest they receive a “black mark” against their name.
Burnham’s commitment to change
Asked if she believed the culture would change under Burnham, Powell responded: “I do – how is something we’ll all need to help with, and be part of.” According to reports, Burnham told women in the Parliamentary Labour Party this week that he would sack any team member found to have issued negative briefings. With ministers vying for positions in a Burnham cabinet, there is intense focus on his appointments and the representation of women in his top team.
Powell stressed that the discussion was “not about quotas,” but about ensuring diversity and listening to “the quiet voices too,” as this leads to “better decisions.”
Burnham’s public engagement and policy plans
Burnham, the MP for Makerfield, has faced accusations of dodging scrutiny ahead of his expected entry into Downing Street as early as July 20. He posted a video on Instagram on Saturday answering questions, mainly on issues where he has already outlined plans. These include taking “stronger public control of essential services” like water and energy, overseeing “the biggest council house building programme this country has seen since the Second World War,” and increasing business rates on out-of-town warehouses to support high street businesses.
The video followed an “Ask Me Anything” session on Reddit on Friday, after he faced criticism for refusing questions from journalists following his major leadership campaign speech. In a lighter moment, Burnham revealed his ideal Greggs order: a sausage, cheese and bean melt.
Starmer’s legacy and support for Burnham
Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in his first sit-down interview since announcing his resignation, said Labour “should go on to win the next election” under Burnham, citing the work done in power. He listed his achievements as tackling antisemitism in the party, winning the 2024 general election, and stabilising the economy. “My successor will have a platform to build on,” Starmer said, adding that he would support the next administration only “if asked for.”
Starmer also insisted he held no “personal animosity” for Burnham. In a 12-minute video posted to X, he highlighted his proudest achievement as lifting the two-child benefit cap, his favourite moment as watching the Lionesses win the Euros in July 2025, and the most difficult aspect of the job being lack of time with family.
