Andy Burnham has crossed Angela Rayner, and he may soon regret it. The newly elected Labour leader is reportedly sidelining senior women in his cabinet picks, sparking accusations that the party remains a 'blokes' club' despite its feminist rhetoric.
Labour's Woman Problem Resurfaces
Labour has long struggled with gender representation. Since Tony Blair's 1997 victory, where female MPs were dubbed 'Blair's Babes,' the party has produced a succession of male leaders: Gordon Brown, Ed Miliband, Jeremy Corbyn, and Keir Starmer. In contrast, the Conservatives have had four female leaders: Margaret Thatcher, Theresa May, Liz Truss, and Kemi Badenoch, as well as Britain's first British Asian prime minister, Rishi Sunak.
Burnham's leadership is seen as another step backward. He is reportedly assembling a cabinet of loyalists, dubbed 'Burnham's Bros,' leaving figures like Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves out in the cold. Rayner, a key party figure, was once considered a potential partner in a 'Northern dream team' with Burnham, but now finds herself sidelined.
Rayner's Fall from Grace
Rayner, who served as deputy leader under Starmer, is reportedly lowering her ambitions and would settle for her old housing secretary role. Her recent speech was described as 'pure Manchesterism,' a plea for a place in Burnham's team. If snubbed, she could become a bitter enemy on the backbenches, wielding her political influence to undermine Burnham.
According to sources, Burnham has been shocked by the 'transactional' nature of job negotiations among MPs. However, critics note he had no qualms about pushing Starmer aside to seize power.
Cabinet Battles Brewing
Burnham faces pressure to satisfy multiple egos. Louise Haigh, who resigned from Starmer's cabinet after a fraud conviction, expects a return after driving Burnham's leadership bid. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and MP Annalise Midgley also seek rewards. Ed Miliband is angling for chancellor, a move that could unsettle markets, while his brother David Miliband is being considered for foreign secretary.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood appears secure due to her competence, but Yvette Cooper's fate as foreign secretary is uncertain. Rachel Reeves, the former chancellor, looks destined for the chop. Burnham must balance these demands without provoking Rayner or being labeled sexist.
What's at Stake
If Burnham fails to include Rayner, he risks creating a powerful enemy. Rayner knows how to wield influence and could rally disgruntled MPs against him. As one observer noted, 'Hell hath no fury like Angela Rayner scorned.' The coming weeks will reveal whether Burnham can navigate Labour's internal divisions or become another male leader accused of ignoring women.
