Andy Burnham pledged to overhaul No 10 briefing culture amid claims of 'boys club

Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell said Downing Street’s briefing system had become a factional "boys club" that disproportionately targeted female ministers with anonymous, negative briefings, creating a culture of fear. She urged a shift to a merit‑based, gender‑balanced approach and said she expected change under Labour leader Andy Burnham, who is set to become prime minister.

Burnham responded that any staff found to have issued such briefings would be dismissed. The deputy leader also highlighted the need for greater diversity in the cabinet, referencing female ministers such as Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. The discussion comes as Burnham prepares to form his government, with pressure to appoint a high proportion of women to senior roles.