Burnham will change No 10 ‘boys club’ briefing culture, says Lucy Powell

Powell said there had been a clear pattern of anonymous negative briefings against colleagues, with women disproportionately targeted. Photograph: Joel Goodman/The Guardian

Andy Burnham will change a “boys club” culture of factional briefings at No 10 which silenced critics, according to the deputy leader of the Labour party.

Lucy Powell said she had experienced “unpleasant” briefings in Downing Street, which left people afraid to speak out or challenge Downing Street’s position.