Andy Burnham, known for his unwavering support for LGBTQ+ rights, is currently under scrutiny for his recent retention of cabinet members, sparking concerns among advocacy groups about the genuineness of his pledge for a political reset.
Criticism arose after Burnham decided to keep Bridget Phillipson as Minister for Women and Equalities and Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary, a move that has drawn disapproval from organizations like Trans Actual, who fear that the government’s harsh approach will persist.
Phillipson faced backlash in light of the updated Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) code, which stipulates that single-sex facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, hospital wards, and refuges must be accessed based on an individual’s biological sex as per the Equality Act, rather than their gender identity.
Despite Burnham’s strong LGBTQ+ advocacy track record, some are questioning his recent stance, especially after the 2025 Supreme Court ruling. Burnham emphasized the importance of introducing the EHRC guidance in a compassionate manner, safeguarding single-sex spaces while avoiding further marginalization of vulnerable communities.
Advocacy group Trans Actual has urged Burnham to engage with the transgender community and reject previous government policies that undermine rights. They caution that without genuine dialogue and action, Burnham’s calls for government reset could ring hollow.
