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PoliticsPM Andy Burnham appoints Bridget Phillipson as Labour Party chair
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Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson has been appointed as Chair of the Labour Party by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, replacing Anna Turley who joined the Home Office. The appointment ended nearly a week of speculation over the role. Phillipson will focus on preparing Labour for the next general election, including modernizing the party for digital campaigning, strengthening engagement with members, trade unions, and local parties, and building the infrastructure and policy platform needed for a second term. Her appointment comes almost a year after she lost the Labour deputy leadership race to Lucy Powell. Burnham expressed confidence in Phillipson's ability to drive culture change and keep Labour focused on working people. Phillipson said she was honored and emphasized unity, hope, and fairness for working communities.
Source report
Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson has been appointed as Chair of the Labour Party by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Phillipson replaces Anna Turley, who was made a minister in the Home Office last week after Burnham became Prime Minister.
An almost week-long delay in announcing a new appointment for the role led to widespread confusion and speculation over the position.
Role and Responsibilities
In her new role, Phillipson will ensure Labour is prepared to fight the next general election, including:
- Modernising the party for a new digital campaigning environment
- Ensuring Labour has the organisation, talent, infrastructure and policy platform needed to secure a second term in government
- Strengthening engagement with Labour members, affiliated trade unions and local parties from across the country
Her appointment comes almost a year after she lost her bid to become Labour’s deputy leader to Lucy Powell.
Statements
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:
“Bridget Phillipson, as Party Chair, will help drive the culture change our party needs, working alongside Lucy Powell and me to ensure Labour remains focused on delivering for working people.
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“She will play a vital role in ensuring the Labour Party is match fit for the next election.
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“I am delighted Bridget has accepted this role and I look forward to working closely with her on this vital task.”
Phillipson said she was honoured to take on the role and added:
“By uniting together, we will bring hope back to communities and strengthen British society against those working to divide us.
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“With the change Labour in government is delivering and will deliver, we have the chance to write a new chapter for our country, one which brings justice, opportunity and fairness for working people, one which brings back hope that tomorrow can be better than today.”
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Source
LabourListWestern
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Bridget Phillipson Appointed Labour Party Chair by Prime Minister Andy Burnham