Burnham brings members of Socialist Campaign Group into government
Summary
Andy Burnham has appointed three members of Labour’s Socialist Campaign Group as parliamentary private secretaries (PPSs) for the first time. The new chief whip, Anneliese Midgley, said PPSs will have bigger roles, including media work and helping shape government policy. Burnham aims to unify different parts of the Labour Party by including both leftwing and centrist members in government roles.Key Facts
- Three Socialist Campaign Group members were appointed as PPSs: Olivia Blake (local government), Mary Kelly Foy (housing), and Steve Witherden (energy).
- PPS is the lowest government role, often given to rising MPs to help connect government and backbenchers.
- Appointments were made with input from cabinet ministers.
- Burnham wants to reduce divisions in the Labour Party and build a team from different political views.
- PPSs will have more chances to do media appearances and participate in parliamentary work.
- Burnham’s own PPS is veteran MP Sir Nic Dakin, who helps with key tasks like preparing for prime minister’s questions.
- Some MPs expressed disappointment over many new MPs losing their PPS positions, including Abena Oppong-Asare, the first Black woman PPS to a prime minister.
- Midgley called for creating a culture of “one Labour team” to support the prime minister’s agenda.
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