In her most revealing interview since resigning from government, Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips has opened up about feeling liberated yet remaining single-minded in her political mission. The outspoken politician discussed her departure from Keir Starmer's cabinet, her support for Wes Streeting as a potential future leader, and the challenges facing Birmingham City Council.
A Breezy Combination of Banter and Urgency
Phillips works from a modest constituency office in Acocks Green, surrounded by joke memes, thank-you cards, and reminder notes. This environment reflects her public persona—what you see is what you get. Her resignation as safeguarding minister came after frustration over the slow pace of action on protecting children from online harms. She stated, "I just stopped believing I could get that outcome inside government, and sometimes you have to make a stand."
Backing Wes Streeting for Prime Minister
Phillips confirmed she would vote for Wes Streeting in a leadership contest, describing him as a brilliant politician and a loyal friend. "He's a laugh and great at parties," she added. She dismissed the idea of Andy Burnham being crowned leader without a contest, emphasizing the need for a proper leadership race to test candidates and reshape the party's purpose.
Local Elections and Council Turmoil
Reflecting on the devastating local elections for Labour in Birmingham, Phillips noted the unfairness of good councillors losing their seats due to dissatisfaction with Keir Starmer. She criticized Starmer's 'reset' speech as hollow and expressed frustration that incremental change was so hard to achieve. The new council makeup, including a Reform UK councillor with a history of lewd comments, has drawn her ire. She called for accountability, stating, "When someone makes disgusting comments on pictures of women younger than my own children, that isn't a behaviour that just goes away."
Defending HS2 and Birmingham's Future
Phillips strongly defended HS2 against calls to scrap it, arguing that its mere existence has transformed Birmingham's economic prospects. "The promise of HS2 has opened doors to investors and job opportunities that we could only dream of," she said. She acknowledged the need for accountability over cost overruns but warned that canceling the project would harm future generations in areas like Hay Mills.
A Heart on Sleeve Political Figure
Throughout the interview, Phillips emphasized her commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls, regardless of who leads the country. She praised the current government's efforts on violence against women and girls but admitted the constant fight for progress was exhausting. "Being outside the tent means I'm going to get more stuff done that I care about," she concluded.
