Andy Burnham appoints equalities minister Bridget Phillipson as Labour party chair
Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson was appointed Labor leader by Andy Burnham and tasked with delivering a “culture change” within the party.
Mr Burnham insisted Ms Phillipson would ensure Labor focused on “delivering services for working people”.
Its mandate is to prepare the party for the next general election, modernizing its digital campaigns and creating the organisation, infrastructure and policy platform vital to electoral success.
Announcing his appointment, Mr Burnham said: “As party leader, Bridget Phillipson will help drive the culture change our party needs, working with Lucy Powell and myself to ensure Labor remains focused on serving working people.
“He will play a vital role in ensuring Labor is fit for the next election.
“I am delighted that Bridget has accepted this role and look forward to working closely with her on this vital role.”
Ms Phillipson, who served as Education Minister under Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership, said: “I am honored to take on the role of leader of the Labor Party, working with our Prime Minister to embed our Labor values and the voices of our movement at the heart of government.
“By uniting together we will bring hope back to communities and strengthen British society against those who seek to divide us.
“With the change Labor has and will deliver in government, we have the chance to write a new chapter for our country, one that brings fairness, opportunity and fairness to workers, one that brings back the hope that tomorrow can be better than today.”
During his time as education secretary, Phillipson oversaw initiatives including the expansion of free breakfast clubs, changes to school inspections and efforts to combat rising absenteeism. The Sunderland MP retained his role as equalities minister as he handed over the education briefing to Lucy Powell.
Labor deputy leader Lucy Powell said: “I look forward to working with Bridget as we develop the culture change in the party that Andy has prioritized.
“Working together, we will ensure the party continues to lead campaigns with the most powerful ground operation in British politics as we prepare for the next general election.”
