The key focus of the role will be ensuring the Labour Party is prepared to fight and win the next general election

Sunderland MP Bridget Phillipson said she is “honoured” after new prime minister Andy Burnham appointed the former education secretary to her new role as Chair of the Labour Party.

Bridget Phillipson said she is “honoured” to be appointed as chair of the Labour Party.

placeholder image — Bridget Phillipson said she is “honoured” to be appointed as chair of the Labour Party.

During the cabinet shake-up following Keir Starmer being replaced as Labour leader, Mrs Phillipson retained her role as Minister for Women & Equalities but lost her position as education secretary.

However, yesterday (July 27) the Houghton and Sunderland South MP was offered and accepted the role of Labour Party chair.

A central focus of the role will be ensuring the Labour Party is prepared to fight and win the next general election, expected by 2029.

This includes modernising the party for a new digital campaigning environment and “ensuring Labour has the organisation, talent, infrastructure and policy platform needed to secure a second term in government”.

Working alongside the new prime minister and chief whip Anneliese Midgley, a key focus of the role will be to strengthen engagement with Labour members, affiliated trade unions and local parties across the country.

After accepting her new role, Mrs Phillipson said: “I’m honoured to take on the role of Labour Party Chair, working alongside our Prime Minister to put our Labour values and the voices of our movement at the heart of government.

“By uniting together, we will bring hope back to communities and strengthen British society against those working to divide us.

“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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The new prime minister Andy Burnham said: “Bridget Phillipson, as Party Chair, will help drive the culture change our party needs to ensure Labour remains focused on delivering for working people.

“She will play a vital role in ensuring the Labour Party is match fit for the next election. I am delighted Bridget has accepted this role and I look forward to working closely with her on this vital task.”

The Sunderland MP will also be working closely with the party’s deputy leader Lucy Powell.

Ms Powell said: “I look forward to working with Bridget as we build on the culture change in the party that Andy has made a priority. Working together, we will ensure the party continues to lead the way in campaigning, with the strongest ground operation in British politics as we prepare for the next general election.”