Furious female Labour MPs urge Starmer to make a woman his de facto deputy

A group of prominent female Labour MPs, led by party veteran Harriet Harman, called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London this week to appoint a woman as his de facto deputy to dismantle what they describe as a persistent "boys' club" culture within Number 10 Downing Street. This demand follows a series of internal scandals and high-profile departures that have raised concerns about the lack of senior female representation and influence at the heart of the UK government. The group argues that such an appointment is essential to foster a more inclusive environment and ensure that women’s voices are central to the administration's decision-making process. Harriet Harman, one of the most senior figures in the Labour Party, has specifically urged the Prime Minister to revive the title of First Secretary of State. This role, which has historically functioned as a deputy prime minister-style position, would ideally be filled by a high-ranking woman capable of overseeing a "complete culture change." The push comes amid growing frustration among female backbenchers and ministers who feel that the current inner circle is overly dominated by a small group of male advisers, mirroring structural issues seen in previous administrations. The call for structural reform is not merely about symbolism; it is rooted in a desire to avoid the pitfalls of past "sofa government" styles that marginalized diverse perspectives. By installing a female deputy with formal authority, the MPs believe Starmer can "turbocharge" the government's policy agenda while fixing institutional blind spots. The Prime Minister now faces significant pressure to demonstrate his commitment to gender equality within his own ranks as he navigates the complexities of his early tenure and tries to stabilize his leadership team.