Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed Bridget Phillipson as the new Chair of the Labour Party, following last week's Cabinet reshuffle. The appointment places the Houghton and Sunderland South MP in one of the party's most senior organisational roles as Labour prepares for future elections.
Ms Phillipson succeeds Anna Turley as Party Chair while continuing to serve as Minister for Women and Equalities. She previously served as Secretary of State for Education before the recent reshuffle, when Lucy Powell was appointed to the Education brief.
The role of Labour Party Chair is separate from Government office and is responsible for overseeing the party's organisation, campaigning, membership and election preparations. The Chair also works closely with Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) and senior party officials.
Mr Burnham's appointment of Ms Phillipson is being viewed as part of his wider effort to reshape Labour's senior team following his election as party leader and Prime Minister. Political commentators have described Ms Phillipson as a respected figure from across the party, with experience in both Government and Labour's organisational structures.
Ms Phillipson has represented Houghton and Sunderland South in Parliament since 2010 and has held a number of senior ministerial and shadow ministerial roles, including Education Secretary and Chief Secretary to the Treasury in opposition.
The appointment comes as Labour continues to implement the changes announced during last week's reshuffle, with Mr Burnham saying he wants to build a broad team to prepare both the Government and the party for the years ahead.
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