Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell has launched a fierce condemnation of what she labels "deeply sexist" and "outdated" political gossip circulating in the corridors of power.
The Manchester Central MP directly addressed whispers from Westminster insiders that suggest her prominent role is solely that of a proxy for Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham. Powell dismissed the notion as not only factually incorrect but also fundamentally "demeaning."
A Firm Rebuke of Outdated Attitudes
In a powerful statement, Powell articulated her frustration with the persistent gender bias in political commentary. "The idea that a woman in a prominent position could only be there as a stand-in for a male colleague is precisely the kind of outdated attitude that holds politics back," she stated.
She emphasised that her work and advocacy in parliament are her own, driven by her constituents' needs and her personal political convictions, not as part of any orchestrated plan for another figure.
Beyond the 'Proxy' Narrative
The speculation appears to stem from Powell's and Burnham's shared political history and their base in Greater Manchester. Both are seen as influential figures on the party's centre-left. However, Powell was unequivocal in rejecting any insinuation of a puppet-like relationship.
This incident highlights the broader, often toxic, nature of political briefing and the specific challenges faced by women in the public eye, who frequently have their authority and autonomy questioned in ways male colleagues are not.
Powell's intervention is being seen as a clear signal that such narratives will be called out, signalling a demand for a more respectful and equitable political environment.
