Is Westminster truly a “boys’ club”? The blunt answer from a seasoned female government insider is a definitive “Yes.” Despite the growing number of women in Parliament and senior Whitehall roles, the core corridors of power remain dominated by men. Women may occupy seats on the green benches, yet many lack genuine access to the inner sanctum where decisions shape the nation’s future.
The Persistent Grip of the Boys’ Club
Labour’s Lisa Nandy, a sitting cabinet member, recently condemned her party’s culture as a “boys’ club,” accusing some briefings of being “dripping with misogyny.” This candid critique from one of Labour’s most senior politicians exposes a troubling dynamic where male cliques wield disproportionate influence—and sometimes weaponize misogyny as a political tactic.
“It’s a massive problem,” confirms one minister. Over a century since Nancy Astor became the first female MP—when Parliament lacked even women’s toilets—women still face entrenched barriers. In 2024, Rachel Reeves found a urinal in the Treasury’s chancellor’s bathroom, a stark reminder of how slow progress has been.
Starmer’s Challenge: Navigating a Male-Dominated Network
A former Labour minister highlights how Prime Minister Keir Starmer relies heavily on an old boys’ network, partly because he lacks deep political instincts and leans on familiar allies. Some in government jokingly refer to this clique as the “network of Matts” or the “boys in blue suits,” with Morgan McSweeney, the former chief of staff, once its emblematic figure.
Yet, women hold key positions under Starmer—Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Labour Party General Secretary Hollie Ridley, and the Chancellor all play prominent roles. Still, insiders reveal that senior female ministers sometimes struggle to secure “face time” with the prime minister, a vital currency in political influence.
Perception Versus Reality: The Boys’ Club Debate
Some allies call the “boys’ club” label unfair, pointing to the many talented women involved. However, senior sources acknowledge that No 10 has occasionally hindered female ministers’ access. The appointment of an interim female chief of staff and female political director signals a commitment to change.
Labour insiders hope the “boys’ club” is fading as the architects of its culture leave. Yet, the term often masks deeper factionalism within the party. One veteran Labour figure describes a fragmented landscape of cliques that isolate themselves, hampering broader collaboration and leading to strategic missteps.
Starmer’s critics argue he relied too narrowly on advisers from a hard-edged faction, alienating others and missing diverse viewpoints. A Whitehall insider stresses that excluding any group—women or otherwise—hurts government quality. “It’s not about being woke; it’s about choosing the best people,” they say.
Calls for Broader Inclusion and Cultural Shift
Voices within Labour urge the prime minister to embrace wider perspectives. Early in the week, Ed Miliband demanded bold leadership focusing on class, Angela Rayner called for better support for hospitality workers, and Lisa Nandy highlighted misogyny’s corrosive effects.
One senior Labour politician warns against dismissing women’s concerns as mere factional disputes. “That excuse would be hopeless,” they insist. Women in the party also press for inquiries into the late Mohammed Al Fayed’s conduct and advocate appointing a woman as first secretary of state.
Nevertheless, some remain skeptical, recounting years of unsuccessful efforts by MPs to widen engagement beyond the party’s narrow leadership circle.
Does Westminster Still Favor Men?
Instances of inappropriate behavior and harassment persist in Westminster’s demanding, late-night culture—where social and professional boundaries blur amid power and politics. A former cabinet minister acknowledges that junior women, and even young men, can face uncomfortable situations.
Yet, the atmosphere has transformed markedly over recent years. The system itself, however, often favors male traits—aggressiveness, certainty, and combative communication—which can marginalize women’s approaches.
A veteran female activist suggests politics inherently attracts more men, who historically embrace risk and camaraderie, likening it to a tribal “gang warfare” where insiders trust those “in the trenches” with them. This exclusivity sidelines many women, who are held to different standards in appearance, behavior, and ambition.
Female politicians like Angela Rayner face harsher scrutiny for mistakes than their male counterparts. Similarly, Dame Antonia Romeo, Starmer’s new cabinet secretary, has endured unwarranted criticism focused on her ambition and style—qualities celebrated in men but weaponized against women.
The Impact of the Boys’ Club on Governance
The “boys’ club” perception matters because dismantling it broadens decision-making perspectives and fosters fair representation. It’s crucial that roughly half the population sees itself reflected in its leaders.
During the pandemic, the absence of women in key discussions led to decisions overlooking childcare challenges and domestic violence risks, while prioritizing traditionally male interests like hunting and golf. This gender gap in policymaking has tangible consequences.
A seasoned activist laments, “I’m still a woman in a man’s world. Meetings are overwhelmingly male, and women’s voices often go unheard.” Though female representation has improved dramatically, Westminster’s habits remain rooted in a male-dominated past.
Misogyny at the Heart of Scandal
The controversy over Peter Mandelson’s appointment, despite his known connections to Jeffrey Epstein, sparked intense soul-searching. Many believe Starmer wouldn’t have faced this crisis had women been included in the decision-making process.
One senior figure asserts, “Misogyny was central to that decision—it showed disregard for Epstein’s victims.” While men still dominate numerically, entrenched old habits persist.
Starmer Faces Pressure to Transform Westminster Culture
As the prime minister seeks to reshape Labour’s image and governance, he must confront the legacy of the boys’ club. Genuine change demands not only increasing women’s representation but ensuring their voices shape policy and culture.
Only by breaking old patterns and embracing inclusivity can Westminster evolve into a truly equal arena of power.
