Starmer’s women problem: Why No 10 has got it in for female Cabinet ministers

[IwantToRetire]

“I have had some instances in the past where I thought if I were a man I’d get my questions answered more quickly from No 10, even wondered to myself ‘who do I have to shag around here to get my messages returned?’”

One MP sees the “acme of misogyny” as being the briefing against Starmer’s former chief of staff, Sue Gray, which preceded her leaving No 10. “It’s got a bit better since then,” she concedes.

Some of the anonymous quotes given to the media are so egregious it “almost resembles trolling”. Those responsible should “f**king grow up,” they add.

Some people think the briefing is driven by a macho atmosphere in No 10.

A source with recent experience of government claims there is “100 per cent” a “blokeish” culture in Downing Street. “They just have a bit of a disdain for women in politics and they don’t want power anywhere else other than in their hands and I think that’s a bit of a problem,” they said.

“For some reason Keir seems to be really oblivious to all of this.” they add.

Article in the "i" https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/starmers-women-problem-female-cabinet-ministers-3637492

Can be read in full at https://archive.is/LAQIZ

Not only have Labour never elected a woman leader but a woman has never even finished above a man in any of the leadership contests.

Exactly. And they call themselves progressives

Ever since I have none women active in Labour it has always been about how badly they are treated.

Not just the odd usual sexist remark, but really heavy bullying and endless infighting.

I willl never forget being told, as though it was perfectly normal, that the "comrade" that Ken Livingstone appointed to be Women's Officer (or some such title) got the post because she had been such a dutiful and obedient member of the Labour Group for Ireland.

And as far as anyone could tell she had no interest is women's politics at all.

Sort of typical, patronisingly allow a woman to be part of serious (male) politics (which she might well have had a real interest in) but then sideline her off to a light (in their terms) issue!