Half of government should be female, Labour women tell Burnham

Andy Burnham is being urged by female Labour MPs to commit to a 50:50 gender split within his government should he become prime minister in July. A draft letter from the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party (WPLP), seen by the BBC, says Labour must lead by example with its own personnel if it wants to be seen as the party of equality. Demanding that change start at the top, the WPLP writes: "We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government." Labour has never had an elected female leader, whereas the Conservative Party has had three female prime ministers and is currently led by Kemi Badenoch. Burnham is expected to remove Chancellor Rachel Reeves from her position as the first ever woman in No 11, and the top contenders to replace her are men. He will also bring back New Labour ally James Purnell as his chief of staff, a position shared by two women under Sir Keir Starmer. One member of the WPLP suggested it would not be acceptable "to have more Milibands in the great offices of state than women". Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is a possible contender for chancellor in a Burnham government. There is speculation that his brother David could return to UK politics as foreign secretary, perhaps via an appointment to the House of Lords. However, Burnham moved to reassure the WPLP he was an ally at a meeting this week, promising to sack any staff who undermined women in his team. …