Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has criticised anonymous briefings within the Labour Party, describing them as “dripping with misogyny”. Speaking to Times Radio, she said women in the party had been targeted by men and called for a collective effort to “stamp that out”.
Ms Nandy’s comments follow a meeting between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and female Labour parliamentarians, prompted by a series of scandals that critics say reveal a “boys’ club” culture in Downing Street. At the meeting, former deputy leader Baroness Harriet Harman suggested reviving the post of first secretary of state—a de facto deputy prime minister role—to tackle misogyny.
The Wigan MP acknowledged Labour’s progress, including all-women shortlists, but insisted “there is a lot of work to do”. She characterised the anonymous briefings as attempts to keep women down and prevent them from being heard, noting that they often involve criticisms such as being “lazy” or spending “too much time with our kids”.
Sir Keir apologised during the meeting for appointing Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the US and said he would consider Baroness Harman’s proposal. One source described his appearance as “very positive”, while another said the atmosphere was “flat”.
The Prime Minister also faced questions over the appointment of former communications chief Matthew Doyle to the House of Lords. Doyle had the Labour whip removed after it emerged he campaigned for a paedophile councillor. Sir Keir stated that Doyle “did not give a full account of his actions”.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the Prime Minister of “stuffing Government with hypocrites and paedophile apologists”. In response, Sir Keir reiterated that he had taken action by removing the whip from Doyle.
