Labour MPs Demand Cultural Change in Downing Street

In the wake of recent scandals, female Labour MPs are urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to appoint a woman as his de facto deputy by reviving the role of first secretary of state. This position, historically held by figures such as Peter Mandelson, is seen as essential for instigating a "complete culture change" within Downing Street, which has been criticized for fostering a "boy's club" atmosphere. Senior Labour figure Harriet Harman emphasized that appointing a woman to this role would send a powerful message and help address issues of misogyny and the marginalization of women in government.

The Guardian

The call for a female first secretary of state comes amid fallout from the Mandelson scandal, which has intensified scrutiny on Starmer's leadership. During a parliamentary meeting, Harman stated that the role should be used to hold government departments accountable for their actions regarding women and girls, thereby "turbocharging" the government's commitment to reducing violence against women. Labour MP Natalie Fleet, who has personal experience with sexual violence, echoed these sentiments, urging Starmer to meet with victims and launch a national inquiry into related crimes.

The Guardian

Starmer has acknowledged the need for change, stating that an apology must be accompanied by action. He expressed a willingness to consider the proposal for a female first secretary of state and to make tackling misogyny a sixth mission of his administration. However, critics, including Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch, have accused him of hypocrisy, suggesting that his concern for women's issues is merely a tactic to salvage his reputation amid ongoing controversies.

The Independent

The demand for a cultural shift in Downing Street has not been without dissent. Some MPs have described the atmosphere during Starmer's meeting with female Labour MPs as "flat," indicating a lack of enthusiasm for his assurances. Additionally, Badenoch's remarks highlighted a broader skepticism regarding Starmer's commitment to addressing the underlying issues of misogyny and accountability within his government.

The Guardian

While Starmer's administration has faced significant criticism, there are conflicting views on the effectiveness of his leadership. Some sources describe his recent engagement with female MPs as positive, while others suggest that the applause during the meeting was directed at the women present rather than Starmer himself. Furthermore, the Prime Minister's spokesperson has rejected claims of a "boys' club" in No 10, asserting that many capable women work within the government.

The Guardian

As Starmer navigates these challenges, he is expected to continue reshaping his team and addressing the concerns raised by female MPs. The potential appointment of a female first secretary of state remains a focal point for those advocating for a cultural transformation in government, with many viewing it as a critical step toward restoring trust and accountability within the Labour Party.

The Guardian

• “She told The Guardian: 'We need a complete culture change, and I think everybody recognises that.” — Harriet Harman, Senior Labour Figure

Daily Mail

• “These are our victims, this is our Epstein” — Natalie Fleet, Labour MP

The Guardian

• “If I could pick a prime minister out of the country, I would pick somebody with a record like his.” — Natalie Fleet, Labour MP

The Guardian

• “The Prime Minister sometimes likes to claim, as he just did, that he cares about violence against women. The truth is, he only cares about the victims when he’s trying to save his own skin.” — Kemi Badenoch, Conservative MP

The Independent