Female Labour MPs have told Andy Burnham that, if he becomes prime minister, he should ensure half of his government is made up of women.

In a draft letter seen by the BBC, the Women’s Parliamentary Labour Party (WPLP) urged Burnham to demonstrate the change immediately and tackle what they describe as toxicity and misogyny within the party and government. They argued that Labour must lead by example on equality, rather than only supporting it as a political message.

The WPLP said previous leaderships have sidelined women, leaving “blind spots” in how decisions are made—particularly in appointments and policy development. It also pointed to reports of bullying and sexual harassment, saying these issues have been ignored or inadequately addressed.

The MPs also raised specific concerns about safety for women in politics, including ethnic minority MPs, and asked for stronger measures to respond to online abuse and deepfakes.

Burnham, who is currently expected to run to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister, has told the WPLP he is an ally and promised to sack staff who undermine women in his team. Labour has never had an elected female leader, the BBC report notes, while the Conservatives have had three female prime ministers and are currently led by Kemi Badenoch.

The letter proposes a number of steps aimed at gender equality, including a female deputy prime minister and a separate first minister of state for women, alongside “zero tolerance” for bullying and misogynistic behavior in Downing Street.