Andy Burnham has remained tight-lipped about his Cabinet picks as the former Greater Manchester mayor prepares to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister. Here, the Press Association examines the likely contenders for top roles.
Ed Miliband: Chancellor Frontrunner
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is widely tipped to replace Rachel Reeves as chancellor. The move would signal Burnham’s backing for Miliband’s net-zero policies, which align with his industrialisation drive. However, Miliband may face backlash over his stance on North Sea drilling, though reports suggest he could drop opposition to the Jackdaw oil and gas field to secure the role.
Shabana Mahmood: Home Secretary or Chancellor?
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is also in the running for chancellor but is believed to prefer remaining in her current post to oversee asylum system reforms. Burnham backed her controversial reforms in a Commons vote days before becoming Labour leader and praised her efforts to deport Rochdale grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed.
Yvette Cooper: Foreign Secretary or Treasury?
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper may move to the Treasury or stay in post. She recently called for global AI regulation and could be Burnham’s continuity candidate, given his commitment to closer EU ties, NATO, the nuclear deterrent, and support for Ukraine.
Sir Keir Starmer: Backbench Return Likely
Outgoing PM Sir Keir Starmer has been suggested for a Cabinet role due to his foreign policy focus, but it is seen as unlikely he would serve under Burnham. Downing Street has indicated he will return to the back benches.
David Miliband: Possible Foreign Secretary Return
David Miliband, Ed’s brother, could return to frontline politics as foreign secretary via a seat in the Lords. He held the post under Gordon Brown and later led the International Rescue Committee in New York.
John Healey and Wes Streeting: Potential Returns
Former defence secretary John Healey, who quit over funding concerns, may return in a foreign role. Ex-health secretary Wes Streeting is also tipped for a Cabinet comeback, possibly as part of a deal with Burnham.
Key Roles for Burnham’s Inner Circle
MPs Louise Haigh and Anneliese Midgley were instrumental in Burnham’s Makerfield by-election campaign. Haigh, who left as transport secretary in 2024 after a criminal conviction, is reported to be planning Burnham’s ascent and could become chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Midgley, a former trade union official, is a central figure in his inner circle. Miatta Fahnbulleh, who resigned as housing minister in protest at Starmer’s leadership, has been advising on policy. Lucy Powell, shuffled out of Starmer’s Cabinet and now deputy Labour leader, may return as deputy prime minister based in Manchester.
Angela Rayner: Devolution Expertise
Angela Rayner, cleared over her tax affairs since quitting as deputy PM, could return to Cabinet. Burnham’s focus on devolution aligns with her experience as former housing, communities and local government secretary.
Starmer Loyalists: Uncertain Futures
Most of Starmer’s final Cabinet backed Burnham by nominating him as leader, except Mahmood. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander backed Burnham in 2010 and 2015, while Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, whose Wigan constituency borders Burnham’s, has been an outsider in Starmer’s team. Darren Jones has said he does not want to stay as Chief Secretary, and Steve Reed, a Starmer loyalist, is unlikely to remain as housing secretary despite backing Burnham’s devolution agenda.
