13th July 2026 

Fawcett Society’s new Chair calls for Burnham administration to stamp out ‘boys club’ culture at No 10.

Fawcett Society has appointed leading lawyer and justice campaigner Jill Greenfield as its new Chair, bringing decades of experience championing women's rights, accountability and access to justice.

Jill represented the victims and survivors of both Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein, as well as representing survivors of major terrorist attacks.

The charity’s new Chair will now lead the 150-year-old women’s rights organisation at a time of significant political upheaval.

Greenfield and Fawcett call for the incoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to prioritise women’s voices at the heart of political power.

Fawcett calls for:

• First separate Minister of State for Women who attends cabinet
• Women to make up 50% of Ministers and 50% of No 10 political appointments
• An end to sexist briefings and a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and sexist workplace practices.

Jill Greenfield, Chair of the Fawcett Society, said:

" I represented Epstein’s victims for many years. I understand how powerful men are protected from the consequences of their actions.

Politics for too long has been seen as a boy’s club. With powerful men not just protected but promoted. Now is the time to wipe the slate clean. For Burnham to show his commitment to gender equality with action. And that starts with his own government and team.

We want half the cabinet to be women, and half of political appointments to be women. We want a dedicated Minister of State for Women to be around the Cabinet table.

We are facing one of the most significant backlashes to gender equality in living memory. Misogyny is on the rise. Women’s lives and livelihoods are at risk. Tackling misogyny demands a cross-departmental monumental effort. This will only be possible if the heart of government is representative.  We don’t need platitudes. We need women in positions of power."

Penny East, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society, said:

"Jill is an exceptional leader. She brings not only formidable legal expertise, but a deep commitment to justice, equality and systemic change.

At a time when women's rights are facing new and complex challenges, Jill's experience, ambition and determination will be invaluable.

We face huge political change and upheaval, from all corners of the political spectrum. We will not let women’s rights and progress be pushed aside; gender equality is not a nice to have – it’s a fundamental part of economic growth, tackling cost of living, and building more cohesive communities.

To achieve this, women don’t just need to be visible. They need to be equal decision-makers in every part of government”.  

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About Jill Greenfield

Jill Greenfield is a nationally recognised lawyer and advocate for justice. Throughout her career she has championed those whose voices are too often unheard, whether in the legal system, public policy or wider society.

She has represented victims and survivors of sexual assault, including in the UK civil actions against Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein, alongside other high-profile individuals. She has also acted for survivors of major terrorist attacks.

As Chair of the Fawcett Society, Jill is committed to strengthening the organisation's impact, working with policymakers, funders and partners to advance gender equality and ensure the voices of women across the UK are heard.

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The Fawcett Society is the UK's leading charity campaigning for gender equality and women's rights. For more than 150 years, Fawcett has worked to create a society in which women and girls can thrive, campaigning for equal pay, equal power and equal safety.

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