Burnham appoints Phillipson as Labour Party chair

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed Bridget Phillipson as Labour Party chair.

A Labour spokesperson said Phillipson, who is also minister for women and equalities, will work closely with deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell to modernise the party ready for the next general election.

Phillipson and Powell went head to head for the deputy leader position last year, after a race triggered by Angela Rayner's resignation, with Powell emerging victorious following 54% support from the party membership, external.

Phillipson had been education secretary under Sir Keir Starmer but that job was also handed to Powell by Burnham when he appointed his cabinet last week.

Announcing Phillipson's appointment, Burnham said she would help the party focus on preparations for a new digital campaigning environment.

"She will play a vital role in ensuring the Labour Party is match fit for the next election," he said.

She replaces Anna Turley who was made a minister in the Home Office last week.

The leadership team, which also includes chief whip Anneliese Midgley, is expected to focus on culture change, and building the infrastructure and policy platform needed by 2029, which is the latest an election can be held.

Posting on X, Phillipson said she was honoured, external to take on the role.

"I joined our party as a teenager and saw first hand the difference a Labour government makes," she said.

"I'll work with members to build the election-winning machine that sees off Reform [UK] for good and secures a second Labour term."

Welcoming her, Powell said: "Working together, we will ensure the party continues to lead the way in campaigning, with the strongest ground operation in British politics as we prepare for the next general election."