More Members of Parliament from Merseyside have been appointed to roles within Andy Burnham's new government. The new Prime Minister, born on Merseyside, officially came into the role this week and immediately began shaping his top team.
He started with a bloodbath of cabinet ministers loyal to his predecessor Keir Starmer, with big names like Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, Darren Jones and Steve Reed all sacked from their positions as secretaries of state. Mr Burnham then shaped his new top team, which has a distinctively northern flavour. South Yorkshire MP John Healey was a surprise pick for Chancellor, while key Burnham allies like Louise Haigh and Lucy Powell were given top jobs.
Cabinet Roles for Merseyside MPs
Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley, a key Burnham backer who helped with his Makerfield by-election victory, has been handed the role of Chief Whip - leading on discipline and culture within the government. Angela Eagle, the Wallasey MP, was also named as a Secretary of State, leading the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Junior Ministerial Appointments
In recent days, Burnham has been selecting junior ministers and other roles within main government departments. Birkenhead MP Alison McGovern is now a minister of state in the Department of Health and Social Care. The Labour MP who previously represented Wirral South has held a number of government positions, including minister for local government and for employment.
Justin Madders, the MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, has also been given a government job. He will serve as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State within the Department for Transport. Mr Madders previously served in a similar level role within the Department of Work and Pensions in Keir Starmer's government.
