Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy Condemns Labour Briefings 'Dripping with Misogyny'
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has launched a scathing attack on Labour briefings that she describes as "dripping with misogyny," urging Sir Keir Starmer to appoint a woman as his de facto deputy in Government. Her comments come after the Prime Minister held discussions with female Labour parliamentarians earlier on Wednesday, following a series of scandals that critics argue have exposed a "boys' club" culture within Downing Street.
Nandy's Strong Critique of Anonymous Briefings
Speaking to broadcasters on Wednesday evening, Ms Nandy rejected suggestions that Sir Keir had failed to adequately understand the issue, highlighting his record in handling cases of violence against women and girls during his tenure as director of public prosecutions. However, she emphasised that a culture of anonymous briefings, including those originating from within the Prime Minister's office, must be eradicated.
"I think politics does often operate as a boys' club and I don't think that the Labour Party is immune to that," Ms Nandy told Times Radio. She expressed pride in Labour's achievements, such as introducing all-women shortlists, but acknowledged there is "a lot of work to do."
Ms Nandy detailed her personal experiences, stating, "I've experienced it, but all women in the Labour Party have experienced it. This culture of allowing anonymous briefings to continue, whether they come from inside the Prime Minister's office, or our offices or anywhere else, we've all got a responsibility to stamp that out." She pointed out that the most targeted individuals in these briefings have largely been women, with men often delivering the attacks anonymously.
Specific Allegations and Broader Context
The Culture Secretary elaborated on the nature of these briefings, saying, "Some of the briefings have absolutely been dripping with misogyny, you know, you hear these things about, you know, we're lazy, we spend too much time with our kids, we don't spend enough time with all kids – you really can't win. In the end it's designed to try to keep us down and to try and stop us from being heard."
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister apologised for appointing Lord Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to the US last year during a meeting with the women's Parliamentary Labour Party. He also indicated he would consider a suggestion from former deputy leader Baroness Harriet Harman to revive the post of first secretary of state—a role previously held by Lord Peter Mandelson that functions as a de facto deputy prime minister—and task the appointee with addressing misogyny and the marginalisation of women.
Political Fallout and Internal Dynamics
Sources present at the meeting provided mixed reactions. One described Sir Keir's appearance as "very positive" with the Prime Minister in "listening mode," while another noted the applause was for the women in the room and characterised the atmosphere as "flat."
The Prime Minister has faced renewed scrutiny over his judgment following the appointment of Lord Matthew Doyle, his former communications chief, to the House of Lords. Lord Doyle has had the Labour whip removed and apologised for campaigning for paedophile councillor Sean Morton in 2017 after Morton had been charged with possessing indecent images of children. Sir Keir stated that the ex-aide "did not give a full account" of his association with Morton when granted a peerage.
Opposition Criticism and Government Response
Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch accused the Prime Minister of "stuffing Government with hypocrites and paedophile apologists" during Prime Minister's Questions. She claimed he was feigning concern about violence against women to "save his own skin" amidst internal Labour discontent stemming from the Mandelson scandal. Badenoch highlighted that despite knowledge of Lord Doyle's associations, Sir Keir proceeded with the peerage, though No 10 maintained there was no precedent for halting such an appointment after announcement.
Several senior Labour figures, including Ms Nandy, deputy leader Lucy Powell, and party chairwoman Anna Turley, have asserted that Lord Doyle should not remain in the Lords. Downing Street has rejected allegations of operating as a "boys' club," and the Prime Minister's spokesman denied any failure to fulfil promises to end sleaze.
Leadership Support and Operational Changes
Sir Keir has insisted his top team is "strong and united" after Cabinet ministers publicly rallied around him. This follows Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar's call for his resignation, citing fears that Downing Street distractions could harm the party's prospects in May's Holyrood elections. The Prime Minister expressed "100%" support for Mr Sarwar, while Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan affirmed her "full confidence" in Sir Keir.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, viewed as a potential leadership challenger, offered support but noted he had discussed the need for a "strong sense of a stronger team again" with the Prime Minister. Sir Keir is expected to continue efforts to overhaul his No 10 operation, with rumours suggesting the country's top civil servant, Sir Chris Wormald, may be departing soon.
Calls for Reform in Civil Service Appointments
In a rare intervention, former permanent secretary at the Foreign Office Lord Simon McDonald advocated for a "full process" to appoint a new Cabinet Secretary, stating it should "start from scratch." He emphasised the importance of due diligence, referencing the Prime Minister's "recent bitter experience" with late vetting. Lord McDonald indicated he had contacted No 10 but received no response.
Speculation abounds that Sir Keir might replace Mr Wormald with Dame Antonia Romeo, a civil servant with Foreign Office experience. This comes as the Prime Minister's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and communications chief Tim Allan have already left their positions, part of broader efforts to revive his political fortunes after a challenging start to 2026.
