Burnham Pledges to Fire Staff Who Undermine Female Ministers

Andy Burnham, set to become prime minister in July, has vowed to dismiss anyone caught briefing against or undermining women in his cabinet. The commitment is striking: incoming leaders seldom issue advance dismissal warnings. Labour deputy Lucy Powell cited anonymous attacks on senior female ministers as evidence of a "boys club" culture at No 10. Burnham's warning establishes clear accountability from day one.