Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the appointment of Bridget Phillipson as the new chair of the Labour Party. The decision came a week after he revealed the rest of his cabinet lineup. Phillipson retains her role as Minister for Women and Equalities, while the education portfolio passes to deputy party leader Lucy Powell.
Previously, Phillipson served as education secretary in Keir Starmer’s government. When Burnham assumed the premiership, she lost the education brief but remained in the government with the equalities remit. The source did not clarify why her party appointment was delayed.
Burnham said the move aims to end internal factionalism and unite the party ahead of the next general election. Phillipson will work closely with the prime minister, deputy leader Lucy Powell and chief whip Anneliese Midgley to implement a renewed party culture.
In her first remarks, Phillipson stressed the importance of unity and expressed hope that the Labour Party could restore optimism in communities. Powell welcomed the collaboration, looking forward to joint campaigning and election preparations.