Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, has stated that Andy Burnham is 'very keen' on transforming the culture of anonymous briefings within the party. Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Powell addressed leaks to the media, which she has previously criticised as being orchestrated by men.
Powell calls for cultural change
“We really do need to change that culture. Absolutely,” Powell told the programme. “I think we have made a little bit of progress in that as deputy leader over the last few months, but that’s something I’m very keen that we really tackle and change, and I know it’s that it’s the one thing that I have discussed with Andy in recent days and weeks that he also is very keen on changing that culture.”
She emphasised that the change is about “valuing, respecting, and hearing and acting on all the views of all of our colleagues.” Powell added that it involves “building and creating a team where people are not appointed because they’re part of a political faction or because they’re part of a friendship group, but on meritocracy because of their experience, their passion, their commitment, and we’ve got to turn that around.”
A 'new way of doing politics'
The MP for Manchester Central described the effort as a “big task for all of us” but framed it as a “new way of doing politics.” Last year, on the Sky News’ Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Powell accused allies of Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson of engaging in underhand tactics against Angela Rayner. She said the “murky world of anonymous briefings where names aren’t put to things is part of the culture that I really think we need to end.”
Powell has backed Burnham for the top job, though she expressed a desire to see a woman lead Labour eventually. “Of course, I’d like to see a woman leader at some stage, but this is a difficult job that brings a huge amount of exposure to your, to yourself, to your family, you know,” she told the BBC.
Burnham's path to power
The Makerfield MP could become prime minister as soon as July 20 if he remains the only candidate to succeed Sir Keir Starmer. If no other candidates step forward, the former mayor of Greater Manchester is expected to be formally declared Labour leader at a conference on July 17, the day after nominations close. However, it is understood he will not become prime minister until July 20.
Powell concluded: “It really is a relentless job, and I’m just glad that actually someone does want to do it. And I’m pleased that actually what it looks like is that we’re probably going to have just one candidate in Andy Burnham.”
