Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson has been appointed Chair of the Labour Party by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, replacing Anna Turley (who joined the Home Office last week after Burnham took office). The nearly week-long delay in announcing the appointment had caused confusion and speculation.
In her new role, Phillipson will focus on preparing Labour for the next general election—modernising the party for digital campaigning, building organisational talent and infrastructure, and developing a policy platform to secure a second term. She will also strengthen engagement with members, trade unions, and local parties across the country.
The appointment comes almost a year after Phillipson lost her bid to become Labour’s deputy leader to Lucy Powell (the current Education Secretary featured in your previous article).
Prime Minister Burnham welcomed her, stating that Phillipson will “help drive the culture change our party needs” and ensure Labour remains “match fit for the next election.” Phillipson expressed her honour, saying that by uniting, the party can “bring hope back to communities” and “write a new chapter” for the country based on justice, opportunity, and fairness for working people.