Number of women in Burnham's cabinet 'a central issue' for female Labour MPs, says Harriet Harman

The representation of women in Andy Burnham's cabinet is a "central issue" for female Labour MPs, the party's former deputy leader has said.

Speaking on the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Harriet Harman said that although Mr Burnham has "got a strong team of women around him and he's got a good record in Manchester of always including women and not having a boys' club", the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) "are not prepared to take it on trust any more".

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Baroness Harman added that the number of women in Mr Burnham's cabinet is going to be a "central issue because the women are going to make it so".

Mr Burnham is currently the only declared candidate in the upcoming Labour leadership contest, with no other candidate expected to run against him. He will likely become prime minister on 20 July if he remains the only candidate.

Baroness Harman said there would be "no more playing nice by the women in the Parliamentary Labour Party", following accusations of a boys' club and misogyny in Downing Street under Sir Keir Starmer.

"They really want to see their place on equal terms now," she added.

Put to her by Sky's political editor Beth Rigby that, as deputy Labour leader under Gordon Brown she was denied the post of deputy prime minister, alongside reports that Mr Burnham could appoint both Miliband brothers to senior roles in his cabinet, Baroness Harman said there is "scar tissue here".

The Women's PLP has drafted a letter to Mr Burnham demanding he ensures at least 50% of ministerial jobs, and jobs in Number 10, go to women, our political reporter Faye Brown has reported.

Mr Burnham attended a meeting of the Women's PLP on Tuesday, with multiple sources present telling Sky News that he was receptive to the jobs idea.

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'Regretful' the next leader likely be another man

Baroness Harman added that while there has "been a very big welcome for Andy Burnham", female Labour MPs were also "regretful that once again, the Labour Party has got their next male leader".

Labour have never had a female leader, although they have had two female acting leaders, including Baroness Harman.

The party has had four female deputy leaders, including the incumbent, Lucy Powell.

Some female Labour MPs have told Sky News that the demands made of Mr Burnham over jobs will make it more likely that a woman succeeds him when the time comes.

"There are many talented women in the PLP. The chances of them succeeding [Burnham] are more likely if you've held high office," one MP said.

(c) Sky News 2026: Number of women in Burnham's cabinet 'a central issue' for female Labour MPs, says Harriet Harma