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Phillips Resigns, Joins Ministers, Blames Labour Sexism

5/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jess Phillips resigned as minister for safeguarding on 12 May, joining three other ministers who quit over confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
She warned that Labour’s never having a permanent female leader reflects systemic sexism in the party.
At the Hay literary festival, Phillips said the party is run by patriarchy.
She noted Labour’s only female leaders have been acting heads such as Margaret Beckett and Harriet Harman.

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Story summary

Jess Phillips resigned as minister for safeguarding on 12 May, joining three other ministers who quit over confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
She warned that Labour’s never having a permanent female leader reflects systemic sexism in the party.
At the Hay literary festival, Phillips said the party is run by patriarchy.
She noted Labour’s only female leaders have been acting heads such as Margaret Beckett and Harriet Harman.