Andy Burnham has sacked 11 ministers, equivalent to a third of the cabinet, in a drastic reshuffle that removed key figures loyal to former leader Keir Starmer. Among those axed were Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, Darren Jones, Dan Jarvis, James Murray, Steve Reed and Nick Thomas-Symonds.
Brutal purge
The dismissed ministers reportedly gathered at a pub in Kentish Town, where they described the process as “harrowing”, according to The Times. Burnham, the new prime minister, has signalled a desire for a less factional style of politics but has instead wielded an iron hand.
Early retaliation
Darren Jones, formerly the chief secretary to the Treasury under Starmer, swiftly challenged Burnham’s pledge to axe the 5% VAT charge on electricity bills. Burnham said the £850 million cost would be covered by scrapping the Digital ID programme, but Jones pointed out that the programme was “unfunded”. Burnham responded by vowing to always “show how we’re going to pay” for policies.
Risk of backlash
The purge leaves Burnham with a phalanx of enemies on the backbenches, waiting for any misstep. He now faces a dire national finances situation, potentially worsened if Donald Trump’s war on Iran drives up oil prices, inflation and interest rates. His call for an end to tribalism has been undermined by his own actions, and the backlash could come back to haunt him.
