A group of senior Labour parliamentarians has called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to consider appointing a woman to a key role in his government, in an effort to promote greater diversity and representation.

During a meeting with female Labour MPs and peers, the prime minister was urged to fill the vacant position of first secretary of state with a woman, a move that would be seen as a significant step towards addressing the underrepresentation of women in senior government roles.

According to two sources present at the meeting, Sir Keir Starmer agreed to consider the proposal and also expressed his commitment to tackling misogyny, acknowledging the need for a concerted effort to address this issue.

The meeting took place after Prime Minister's Questions, during which Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Sir Keir Starmer's government, suggesting that it was dominated by a "boys' club" mentality.

The meeting was seen as an opportunity for Sir Keir Starmer to reassure his MPs and rebuild support, following a period of uncertainty and criticism over his leadership.

The prime minister has faced criticism for his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US, despite knowing about the peer's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Sir Keir Starmer's judgment has also been questioned over the peerage granted to former communications chief Lord Doyle, who had links to a convicted sex offender and lost the Labour whip as a result.

These issues were raised during Prime Minister's Questions and were also discussed during the meeting with the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP), where Sir Keir Starmer faced further scrutiny.

It is understood that Sir Keir Starmer reiterated his apology for the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US, acknowledging the concerns and criticism that this decision had generated.

The prime minister expressed his commitment to working with the Women's PLP to address the issue of misogyny and to promote cultural change within the government.

A source who attended the meeting described it as a positive and constructive discussion, with the prime minister demonstrating a willingness to listen and engage with the concerns of the female MPs.

The source characterized Sir Keir Starmer as a "feminist ally" who was committed to promoting greater diversity and representation, and who recognized the need to challenge and change the existing culture within the government.

The prime minister emphasized his desire to create a more inclusive and equitable culture across the government, one that would promote the interests and well-being of all citizens.

Labour MP Natalie Fleet, who attended the meeting, reported that former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman had suggested appointing a female first secretary of state, a proposal that Sir Keir Starmer agreed to consider.

The role of first secretary of state is a senior position that has historically been equivalent to that of deputy prime minister, a post currently held by David Lammy.

Previous holders of the position of first secretary of state include Dominic Raab, Damian Green, and Lord Mandelson, who served during the government of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Barbara Castle was the first woman to hold the position of first secretary of state, serving under Prime Minister Harold Wilson in the 1960s.

Natalie Fleet expressed her enthusiasm for the possibility of a woman being appointed to this role, describing it as a potential milestone for women's representation in government.

The Labour MP for Bolsover reported that Sir Keir Starmer had committed to meeting with victims of sexual violence, a move that was seen as a positive step towards addressing this issue.

Fleet emphasized the importance of listening to and supporting victims of sexual violence, stating that it was essential to create a culture of empathy and understanding.

She expressed her support for Sir Keir Starmer, describing him as the best option for promoting positive change and delivering on the government's commitments.

Fleet acknowledged that the prime minister had made mistakes, but emphasized her willingness to hold him to account and ensure that he delivers on his promises.

Labour MP Rachael Maskell, who also attended the meeting, noted that Sir Keir Starmer had an opportunity to demonstrate his understanding of the seriousness of the situation and to take concrete actions to address the concerns of female MPs.

Maskell had previously called for the prime minister to resign, citing his handling of the Lord Mandelson appointment as a key factor in her decision.

During Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer defended his former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, who had resigned over his role in promoting Lord Mandelson's appointment as ambassador.

The prime minister acknowledged that he had made mistakes and apologized for his actions, accepting responsibility for the decisions that had been made.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Sir Keir Starmer's record on protecting women and girls from violence, suggesting that he only took action when it was politically expedient.

Badenoch accused the prime minister of being insincere in his claims to care about victims of violence, implying that his actions were motivated by self-interest rather than a genuine commitment to addressing the issue.

Sir Keir Starmer defended his government's record on protecting women and girls from violence, highlighting the steps that had been taken to address this issue.

A source close to the prime minister rejected suggestions that Downing Street was dominated by a "boys' club" mentality, pointing to the presence of highly qualified and capable women in senior roles within the government.