The "boys club" culture at the heart of Downing Street is set to face a major shake-up if Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister, according to Labour's Deputy Leader Lucy Powell. The perception of a tight-knit clique favouring certain individuals over others has long been a subject of controversy in Westminster, with some high-profile female Cabinet members being singled out for criticism.
Lucy Powell herself has first-hand experience of this culture, having faced "unpleasant" briefings in No 10 that made it difficult for her to express dissenting views or challenge the government's stance. She points to a pattern of anonymous negative briefings directed disproportionately at female figures within the Cabinet, including Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Powell believes this "boys club" culture has led to factionalism and appointments being made on the basis of party affiliation or friendship rather than merit. In a recent development, senior Labour women have helped to improve the atmosphere in No 10, but Powell remains committed to pushing for a more inclusive system where individuals are chosen based on their passions, experiences, and contributions.
Under Burnham's leadership, Powell hopes that this culture will change dramatically, with staff who brief against or undermine women facing immediate dismissal. The Deputy Leader is confident that Burnham will make good on his promise to bring about a more meritocratic system, one where everyone contributes to the decision-making process.
Ahead of a meeting with Burnham, Labour's female MPs have collectively written to him urging him to commit to a 50/50 gender split for both ministers and staff. While Powell stopped short of dictating specific cabinet appointments, she stressed that diversity at the highest levels of government is essential for making better decisions.
In response to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch's criticism that Labour women should be more proactive in securing top jobs, Powell countered that the focus should be on creating a culture that encourages and celebrates diversity. This, she argued, was not about imposing quotas but about making a conscious effort to consider all aspects of diversity.
As the debate surrounding Burnham's leadership continues, one thing is clear: if he becomes Prime Minister, the "boys club" culture in No 10 will face significant reform.