Harriet Harman

Harriet Harman is a prominent and senior figure within the Labour Party. She is newsworthy due to her recent call for Keir Starmer to appoint a woman as his de facto deputy, specifically to oversee a “complete culture change” within Downing Street. This request comes amidst a series of scandals that have allegedly exposed a “boy’s club” atmosphere. Harman suggested reviving the role of first secretary of state, a position previously held by Peter Mandelson. The current relevance of Harman's call is heightened by the ongoing controversy surrounding Mandelson's past associations and his recent appointment, which has led to calls for Starmer's chief of staff to be sacked. The situation underscores internal tensions within the Labour Party and the pressure on Starmer to address issues of representation and accountability.