Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell is poised to replace David Lammy as Deputy Prime Minister under Andy Burnham’s leadership, signaling a move to increase female representation in the party’s senior ranks. The change is expected to occur in the coming weeks as Burnham finalises his new team following his near-successful bid for Downing Street.
Powell, a key Burnham ally, played a significant role in securing his nomination for the Makerfield by-election, overcoming resistance from Number 10. She also reportedly helped facilitate discussions with Sir Keir Starmer aimed at smoothing the leadership transition. A source close to Burnham indicated the reshuffle is intended to realign the roles of deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader, a position Lammy has held since September. While largely ceremonial, the role involves deputising during Prime Minister’s Questions and representing the prime minister at international events.
This move comes amid concerns within the party about criticism for appearing to favour yet another white male leader. A government official acknowledged Burnham’s awareness of these perceptions, noting that appointing capable women to top positions is viewed as a strategy to counter charges of “jobs for the boys.”
Discussions are reportedly underway to ensure that all four major Cabinet offices—Chancellor, Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary, and Defence Secretary—are held by women. Speculation has swirled around potential changes at Treasury, with Environment Secretary Ed Miliband rumored as a possible replacement for Chancellor Rachel Reeves. However, this prospect has faced pushback from both unions and Labour MPs.
There is talk of a possible swap between Reeves and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who remains admired by Burnham’s team despite reportedly preferring to maintain her current post. Meanwhile, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has expressed interest in the Chancellor’s role, signaling flexibility amid speculation over her future in the Cabinet.
On Defence, despite reports suggesting John Healey might return to his former role, Burnham’s allies are reportedly wary of his demands for significant increases in defence spending. A source cautioned that meeting Healey’s financial expectations could strain the government’s budget considerably.
The Treasury debate has drawn mixed reactions within Labour. Some ministers argue that Ed Miliband lacks the necessary business acumen and communication skills for the role after what they describe as Reeves’s “robotic” public statements. Conversely, figures such as former deputy leader Baroness Harman have defended Miliband’s economic expertise and commitment.
Notably, some of Labour’s traditional left-wing backers also oppose Miliband’s appointment. Unite union general secretary Sharon Graham criticized the idea as detrimental to job creation efforts, while GMB leader Gary Smith condemned Miliband’s opposition to expanded North Sea drilling as economically damaging. Miliband himself has not responded to the rumours.
Separately, Burnham’s economic advisers are reportedly advocating scrapping the triple lock on pensions in the long term, despite Burnham publicly committing to Labour’s current manifesto pledge to maintain it. The new Makerfield MP has expressed support for the manifesto but stopped short of endorsing the pension policy indefinitely, reflecting ongoing debates about fiscal priorities within the government.