New Prime Minister Andy Burnham carried out a sweeping cabinet reshuffle hours after taking office on Monday, appointing John Healey as Chancellor of the Exchequer in a move that surprised political commentators. The Makerfield MP took over at Downing Street following a coup that led to Sir Keir Starmer stepping down, and immediately set about installing his own allies in key positions.
First Speech and Promises
In his first speech as Prime Minister, Burnham promised early "breathing space" for households struggling with the cost of living, vowed to end rough sleeping, and set a goal of "reindustrialising Britain." Speaking outside the door of No 10, he said he would deliver "a new political model and a new economic model" for Britain.
Key Departures
Rachel Reeves was axed as chancellor, Sir Keir's deputy prime minister David Lammy was sacked, and Peter Kyle lost his job as Business Secretary. Other departures included Lord Hermer as Attorney General, Darren Jones as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Liz Kendall as Technology Secretary, Jo Stevens as Welsh Secretary, Hillary Benn as Northern Ireland Secretary, and Nick Thomas-Symonds as paymaster general and cabinet office minister. Starmer loyalist Steve Reed, who lost his housing role, told Burnham: “I hope those who did not show loyalty to Keir will now show it to you.”
New Appointments
The appointment of John Healey as Chancellor was the first and most surprising. Healey, a former Defence Secretary, had clashed with Reeves over defence spending, which led to his resignation from Starmer's government. Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood had been tipped as favourites for the role, but Miliband was appointed Foreign Secretary instead. Mahmood retained her post as Home Secretary, calling it the "best job in the business." Healey said it was the "greatest privilege" to become Chancellor. Miliband stated he would be "at the forefront of issues which pose profound and substantial threats to justice and equality in Britain and across the world."
Louise Haigh was appointed First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and minister for the Cabinet Office. Angela Rayner returned to the cabinet as Housing Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds became Business Secretary, and Lucy Powell was named Education Secretary. Yvette Cooper moved from Foreign Secretary to Health Secretary, while Pat McFadden remained as Work and Pensions Secretary. Anneliese Midgely was appointed Chief Whip. Bridget Phillipson retained her role as Minister for Women and Equalities. Lisa Nandy was named Culture Secretary. Dame Angela Eagle became Environment Secretary, Wes Streeting was appointed Defence Secretary, and Alex Norris became Justice Secretary.
International Calls
Within an hour of being appointed, Burnham spoke with US President Donald Trump, followed by calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Full Cabinet List
- John Healey - Chancellor
- Shabana Mahmood - Home Secretary
- Ed Miliband - Foreign Secretary
- Louise Haigh - First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and minister for the Cabinet Office
- Yvette Cooper - Health Secretary
- Pat McFadden - Work and Pensions Secretary
- Anneliese Midgely - Chief Whip
- Angela Rayner - Housing Secretary
- Jonathan Reynolds - Business Secretary
- Lucy Powell - Education Secretary
- Bridget Phillipson - Minister for Women and Equalities
- Lisa Nandy - Culture Secretary
- Angela Eagle - Environment Secretary
- Wes Streeting - Defence Secretary
- Alex Norris - Justice Secretary
