Andy Burnham, the new Prime Minister, has unveiled his first cabinet, marking a significant shift from Sir Keir Starmer's government. The appointments include several surprises, with John Healey taking over as Chancellor and Ed Miliband becoming Foreign Secretary, while some key figures from the previous administration have been moved or omitted.
John Healey Appointed Chancellor
John Healey, a long-time Labour frontbencher who served under Blair, Brown, Miliband, and Corbyn, has been named Chancellor of the Exchequer. Healey previously resigned as Defence Secretary in June after a dispute over increased defence spending, a move that contributed to Starmer's downfall. A source in Burnham's ministry described Healey as a trusted and experienced figure who shares the new PM's vision.
Ed Miliband Becomes Foreign Secretary
Ed Miliband, the former Labour leader, has been appointed Foreign Secretary. Known as 'Red Ed' during his leadership, he previously served as Energy Secretary under Starmer, spearheading the net zero agenda. His appointment is attributed to his experience in international negotiations, particularly on climate issues. He will face challenges such as dealing with Donald Trump's demands for North Sea oil development.
Shabana Mahmood Retains Home Secretary Role
Shabana Mahmood remains Home Secretary under Burnham. She has focused on stricter migration controls, with Labour's efforts reducing Channel crossings. However, backbench Labour MPs are calling for softer migration curbs, which could become an early flashpoint. Mahmood, an Oxford-educated former barrister, is one of the first Muslim women elected to the Commons.
Louise Haigh Takes on Key Coordinating Role
Louise Haigh has been appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and First Secretary of State. A key figure in Burnham's return to Westminster, she was part of the 'northern power women' group that masterminded his campaign. Haigh previously resigned as Transport Secretary over a historic criminal offence. She will drive Burnham's priorities, including devolution and cost-of-living measures.
Yvette Cooper Moved to Health
Yvette Cooper, who served as Home Secretary and then Foreign Secretary under Starmer, has been appointed Health Secretary. Some Westminster watchers view this as a demotion from the 'great offices of state.' Cooper, a rising star under New Labour, is tasked with overhauling the social care sector, a priority for Burnham.
Pat McFadden Continues as Work and Pensions Secretary
Pat McFadden remains in his role overseeing welfare and pensions. He was seen as loyal to Starmer and was described as 'the real deputy prime minister' during his time as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. McFadden, born in Glasgow to Irish-speaking parents, played a central role in shaping Labour's pre-election strategy.
Angela Rayner Returns as Housing Secretary
Angela Rayner, once dubbed Labour's 'Red Queen,' returns to frontline politics as Housing Secretary. She resigned from the same role under Starmer over tax affairs but has since been cleared by HMRC. Rayner, a self-described socialist, championed workers' rights in her previous cabinet role.
Jonathan Reynolds Back as Business Secretary
Jonathan Reynolds returns to the Business Secretary role, now expanded to cover science and technology. He previously held the position after Labour's 2024 election win before moving to chief whip. Reynolds, chairman of Christians on the Left, has described his faith as central to his politics.
Lucy Powell Named Education Secretary
Lucy Powell, MP for Manchester Central, becomes Education Secretary while continuing as Labour's deputy leader. She won the deputy leadership over Starmer ally Bridget Phillipson. Powell was among the early supporters of Burnham's campaign to return to Westminster.
Anneliese Midgley Appointed Chief Whip
Anneliese Midgley takes on the role of Chief Whip, though Burnham has expressed dislike for the traditional whipping system. She is a close ally of Burnham and was among the 'northern power women' he praised during his by-election victory.
Bridget Phillipson Retained as Women and Equalities Minister
Bridget Phillipson, a close Starmer ally, loses her Education Secretary role but remains Minister for Women and Equalities, attending Cabinet. She oversaw reforms to Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance on trans people. Phillipson's upbringing in a single-parent family shaped her approach to education.
Lisa Nandy Continues as Culture Secretary
Lisa Nandy remains Culture Secretary, with her portfolio now including digital, suggesting the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has been scrapped. She expressed happiness with the role as she left Downing Street.
