John Healey has been appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer in Andy Burnham's first government appointment, marking a significant purge of Cabinet loyalists from the previous administration of Sir Keir Starmer. The move, which saw Healey replace Rachel Reeves at the Treasury, surprised many in Westminster.
Healey's Background and Appointment
Healey, who recently resigned as defence secretary under Sir Keir over a dispute about military funding, is viewed as a safe pair of hands. His appointment comes as part of a broader reshuffle that saw several high-profile ministers, including David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, and Steve Reed, dismissed from their roles.
Other Cabinet Changes
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, both previously tipped for the chancellor position, were seen entering Downing Street together, suggesting they are in line for senior roles. Louise Haigh, who left her post as transport secretary under Sir Keir in 2024 and has been instrumental in planning Burnham's rise to power, also entered Downing Street.
Reeves and Lammy Depart
Rachel Reeves lost her Treasury brief and is understood to have declined an offer from Burnham for another senior government role. David Lammy, who served as deputy prime minister, justice secretary, and previously foreign secretary, announced his departure from government on social media. Steve Reed, considered a staunch loyalist to Sir Keir, expressed disappointment in a letter to Burnham, stating he was "disappointed to be leaving Government now."
Further Exits
Peter Kyle, formerly business secretary; Liz Kendall, former technology secretary; and Lord Hermer, the ex-attorney general, also announced they were leaving government. Jo Stevens lost her position as secretary of state for Wales, and Darren Jones, who served as Sir Keir's chief secretary, said Burnham informed him he would not be part of the new cabinet. Hilary Benn, former Northern Ireland secretary; Foreign Office minister Baroness Jenny Chapman of Darlington; and EU relations minister and paymaster general Nick Thomas-Symonds have also been removed.
