Story perspectives

Burnham Vows to Fire Staff Spreading Anti-Women Briefings.

7/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Andy Burnham pledged to fire any staff who circulate negative briefings about women to end Downing Street’s “boys club”.
Labour MPs urged Burnham to impose a 50/50 gender split for ministers and staff.
Deputy leader Lucy Powell said anonymous briefings targeted female cabinet ministers, including herself, Bridget Phillipson and Yvette Cooper, fostering fear.
Burnham’s chief of staff will be James Purnell, with Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson sharing the role.

1 of 1

Story summary

Andy Burnham pledged to fire any staff who circulate negative briefings about women to end Downing Street’s “boys club”.
Labour MPs urged Burnham to impose a 50/50 gender split for ministers and staff.
Deputy leader Lucy Powell said anonymous briefings targeted female cabinet ministers, including herself, Bridget Phillipson and Yvette Cooper, fostering fear.
Burnham’s chief of staff will be James Purnell, with Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson sharing the role.