Andy Burnham’s administration is reportedly facing internal friction as powerful female ministers compete for political influence. Tensions are mounting between key figures like Louise Haigh and Antonia Romeo, creating a highly competitive environment within the new government.
The Haigh-Romeo standoff in Whitehall
Louise Haigh, currently serving as First Secretary of State, is reportedly engaged in a power struggle with the first female Cabinet Secretary, Antonia Romeo. According to the report, Haigh is attempting to consolidate her influence by blocking Romeo from accessing Andy Burnham directly. This friction highlights a growing divide between the political leadership and the civil service hierarchy.
The report cites a Whitehall source stating that Haigh wants to be the sole individual with direct access to Burnham. this dynamic has reportedly complicated the administration's structure, as the presence of Antonia Romeo as Cabinet Secretary introduces a new layer of institutional authority that clashes with Haigh's rising influence.
Louise Haigh’s journey from a 2014 fraud conviction
The political ascent of Louise Haigh has been marked by significant volatility, including a resignation just four months into Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership following a 2014 fraud conviction. As the source reports, Haigh has been accused of using the Tribune group of Left-wing Labour MPs to influence leadership dynamics and machinate against the Prime Minister.
Haigh's reputation for political maneuvering was further highlighted by an incident in a Covent Garden restaurant. As the source claims, she was overheard discussing ways to remove Sir Keir Starmer, an allegation she has denied. This history of political survival and ambition is central to the "Mean Girls atmosphere" described by a long-standing ally of the administration.
Lucy Powell’s shift from DPM candidate to Education Secretary
Lucy Powell’s current position as Education Secretary follows a period of intense speculation regarding her potential appointment as Deputy Prime Minister. While Powell was a widely tipped candidate for the role, she ended up as the third choice behind Rachel Reeves and former Foreign Secretary David Miliband.
Tensions within the camp reportedly surfaced following the May 7 local election results. According to the report, members of the Burnham inner circle were infuriated by Powell's warning against leadership challenges, which she described as "unhelpful." While some insiders suggested Powell was keeping her options open for a leadership run, her allies dispute this, claiming she preferred a departmental role over a titular position .
Will the Deputy Prime Minister role align with Angela Rayner's former position?
The ultimate hierarchy of the Burnham administration remains a subject of debate among political insiders. it is currently unverified whether the administration will officially realign the Deputy Prime Minister post with the deputy leadership of the Labour Party , a position previously held by Angela Rayner.
Furthermore, the report leaves several questions unanswered regarding the true extent of Louise Haigh's power. While she is described as the deputy prime minister in all but name, the administration has not clarified how the competing ambitions of Haigh, Powell, and Rayner will be formally managed to prevent further internal instability.
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