Insiders say far from being too ‘blokeish’, Andy Burnham is surrounded by ‘Mean Girls’ atmosphere as PM’s top team of female ministers vie for his ear
An article in the Daily Mail claims that despite criticism of Andy Burnham for a "blokeish" focus on pubs and football, his government is in fact dominated by powerful women vying for influence over him, creating what one ally described as a "Mean Girls" atmosphere. Insiders say Louise Haigh, as First Secretary of State and de facto Deputy Prime Minister, has emerged as the dominant figure, sidelining rivals including former deputy PM Angela Rayner and deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell, both of whom ended up in more junior Cabinet roles than expected.
The piece details tensions between Haigh and Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo, the first woman to hold that post, with one source claiming Haigh "wants to be the only one who has Andy's ear." Haigh's rise is traced back to her 2024 resignation over a historic fraud conviction and subsequent reports of her involvement in moves against former PM Sir Keir Starmer, including her alleged role in facilitating Burnham's return to the Commons via the Gorton and Denton by-election. Rayner returned to her former role as Housing Secretary, Powell became Education Secretary, while Shabana Mahmood (Home Secretary) and Yvette Cooper (Health Secretary) round out the senior women in Cabinet, with friction also reported after Powell warned against a leadership challenge following poor May 2026 local election results.
In short
- Burnham's Cabinet is dominated by powerful, competing female ministers, insiders say
- Louise Haigh seen as most influential, clashing with Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo
- Rayner and Powell reportedly sidelined into more junior roles than hoped
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The presence of multiple powerful women in senior Cabinet positions—Haigh, Rayner, Powell, Cooper, and Mahmood—actively competing for influence and access to the Prime Minister directly contradicts the 'blokeish' characterisation of the government. Such a characterisation would imply women were marginalised or tokenised in decision-making; instead, these women occupy positions of genuine authority and influence, suggesting the original criticism fundamentally misunderstood the government's actual structure and culture.
The case against
The 'blokeish' characterisation likely concerned the Prime Minister's values, cultural priorities, and policy approach rather than simply the gender composition of his Cabinet. Whilst female representation in senior roles is important, questions remain about whether the government's actual decision-making reflects inclusive leadership principles and values. Additionally, the reported internal tensions and competitive dynamics among female ministers suggest governmental dysfunction rather than evidence of positive female empowerment.
Explained simply
Andy Burnham is a senior Labour politician who leads Greater Manchester and has long been discussed as a possible future party leader. The Cabinet is the group of senior ministers who run government departments, while the Cabinet Secretary is the most senior civil servant, responsible for supporting the government’s work.
Other central figures in Labour’s leadership include Louise Haigh, Angela Rayner and Lucy Powell, alongside ministers such as Shabana Mahmood and Yvette Cooper. Their roles and relationships matter because influence within the Cabinet can shape government decisions and affect who is seen as a potential party leader.
Reports of tension among ministers are claims from unnamed sources and do not establish what has happened behind closed doors. Understanding the roles of elected politicians and senior civil servants helps readers distinguish political influence from the impartial work of the civil service.