In this video grab taken from footage broadcast by the UK Parliamentary Recording Unit (PRU) via the Parliament TV website on June 22, 2026, new Labour Party MP for Makerfield, Andy Burnham is sworn in after his win in the recent by-election. (Photo by PRU / AFP)
As Andy Burnham prepares to become the UK’s next prime minister, he faces calls to tackle Labour’s alleged “boys’ club” by ensuring women get half of the top jobs in his first cabinet.
The Labour Party — despite having more equality mechanisms in place than the main opposition Conservatives — has yet to elect its first female leader.
By contrast, Tory party leader Kemi Badenoch is the fourth woman to lead her party after former prime ministers Margaret Thatcher, Theresa May and Liz Truss.
Women in the Labour Party reportedly feel a “boys’ club” is blocking their progress.
