Labour mayor Andy Burnham says he will end what he describes as a culture of briefing against female ministers and will take disciplinary action against staff who undermine women in his team. Speaking at a meeting of the women’s parliamentary Labour party (PLP) in Westminster, Burnham told MPs that he would sack any member of his staff who launches sexist attacks or otherwise targets female team members. He also called for a change in political culture within his party, criticising what he said were negative or undermining characterisations of women in Labour politics.
Burnham’s comments also included a response to media portrayals, including references to him being labelled “the first female Labour PM.” According to the reports, he framed the issue as broader behaviour and messaging that affects female ministers, rather than individual incidents alone. The statements come as Burnham positions himself as a possible future Labour leader, emphasising staff conduct and the treatment of female colleagues. Across the coverage, the central message is that sexist attacks and undermining briefings are unacceptable and would lead to dismissal.
