Labour insiders have ignited controversy by attempting to position Andy Burnham as the party's 'first woman prime minister,' despite the candidate being male. This move comes as the party prepares to select a new leader, with Burnham widely expected to succeed Keir Starmer. If successful, he would be Labour's eighth male leader and eighth Prime Minister.
The strategy, as reported by The Spectator, suggests that Burnham, who is reportedly set to become Prime Minister as early as July 17, embodies a 'female PM in all but sex.' This characterization stems from a belief that he is genuinely passionate about issues disproportionately affecting women, such as health, education, family finances, safer streets, social care, and online child safety. A senior party figure described Burnham as having "an unashamedly female agenda" unlike Conservative female leaders who face pressure to appear tough on traditionally male issues.
This framing has drawn sharp criticism. Johann Lamont, former leader of the Scottish Labour Party, voiced her disapproval on social media, stating that Burnham is part of "a long tradition of Labour men who REALLY REALLY support women - right up to the point where they have to choose between their own preferment and supporting a woman for the role…"
Despite Labour electing a record 190 female Members of Parliament in the 2024 general election, the party has historically only had male leaders. Figures like Yvette Cooper, Shabana Mahmood, and Angela Rayner, who were previously considered potential successors to Starmer, are reportedly expected to support Burnham's leadership bid.
A spokesperson for Andy Burnham declined to comment on the claims. The Conservatives, by contrast, have had four female leaders and three female Prime Ministers.