David Lammy, Rachel Reeves and Steve Reed are among the first high-profile Cabinet ministers to be shown the door by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Lammy and Reed Announce Departures
Mr Lammy, until now the deputy prime minister and justice secretary, and previously foreign secretary, announced he was leaving Government on social media, while Mr Reed, seen as an arch-loyalist to Sir Keir Starmer, said he was “disappointed to be leaving Government now” in a letter to Mr Burnham.
Tottenham MP Mr Lammy said he “would have been proud to continue serving in Cabinet. But a new Prime Minister is entitled to build his own team”. He added he would “support this Labour Government from the backbenches and do everything I can to help defeat Reform again at the next general election”.
Reeves Expresses Support
In a post on X, Ms Reeves wrote: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The economy today is stronger, fairer and more resilient because of the choices we have taken as a Labour Government over the past two years. I wish the very best of luck to my successor, Andy and his Cabinet. You have my full support and I will continue to play my part in helping this Labour Government deliver the change the country needs.”
Reed's Rebuke and Kyle's Exit
Mr Reed, who has served as environment secretary and housing secretary since the general election in 2024, said Labour “won power the hard way”, and in a rebuke to the incoming Prime Minister later added: “Keir Starmer showed loyalty to me by appointing me to his Cabinet. I make no apology for returning that loyalty. It’s what is expected of functioning teams, and I hope those who did not show loyalty to Keir will now show it to you. I’m proud I acted with integrity at every step over the turbulent past few months.” Peter Kyle, who was business secretary, has also lost his job, the Press Association understands.
Burnham to Appoint New Cabinet
Mr Burnham is expected to begin making appointments to major Cabinet positions on Monday afternoon. Several junior ministers announced they were leaving Government earlier on Monday. Prisons minister Lord James Timpson was the first to announce he had resigned, and was shortly followed by Lord Patrick Vallance, a science minister.
