Female Labour Members of Parliament have urged Keir Starmer to establish a new government position to address misogyny and dismantle the perceived “boys’ club” environment at 10 Downing Street.
During a meeting attended by Mr. Starmer after Prime Minister’s Questions, Harriet Harman, a former deputy leader of the Labour Party, advocated for the reinstatement of the role of First Secretary of State, previously held by Peter Mandelson under Gordon Brown’s administration.
Baroness Harman commended Mr. Starmer for his conduct at the meeting, emphasizing the importance of active listening and avoiding condescending explanations. She highlighted the necessity for strong leadership in eradicating the prevalent “boys’ club” culture at No10.
While some MPs acknowledged Mr. Starmer’s intention to address the issue, concerns were raised regarding the Prime Minister’s association with his former communications director, Matthew Doyle, who had ties to a convicted sex offender.
Baroness Harman suggested appointing a woman to the position of First Secretary of State to rectify the impact of Lord Mandelson’s controversial associations. She proposed Lucy Powell, the deputy Labour leader, as a potential candidate, emphasizing the practicality and significance of such a decision in reshaping government culture.
Mr. Starmer expressed his commitment to fostering a cultural shift across the government, acknowledging the challenges involved in implementing substantial changes.
In addition, the senior MP called for prioritizing the fight against misogyny and violence targeting women and girls as a fundamental mission within the Labour Party’s agenda, alongside existing missions related to economic growth, clean energy, crime reduction, education enhancement, and healthcare improvement.
Labour MP Natalie Fleet, who has a personal history of sexual assault, commended Mr. Starmer for his responsiveness and engagement with women MPs, emphasizing the significance of inclusive and valuable discussions.
Furthermore, she urged the Prime Minister to initiate a national inquiry into the actions of former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, advocating for accountability and support for victims of the scandal.
The Prime Minister’s press secretary refuted the characterization of No10 as a “boys club,” emphasizing the administration’s objection to such labeling.
