Andy Burnham, the Makerfield MP, is set to become prime minister on Monday, following Keir Starmer's formal resignation at Buckingham Palace. Starmer is expected to tender his resignation to the King on Monday morning, with Burnham being invited to form a government shortly after. Once back in Downing Street, Burnham will begin assembling his first cabinet, facing a series of difficult choices and dilemmas.
Key Contenders and Potential Appointments
Burnham's cabinet will need to balance experience, loyalty, and representation from different wings of the Labour Party. Among the frontrunners for top roles are Angela Rayner, Rachel Reeves, and David Lammy. Rayner, the deputy leader, is expected to retain a senior position, possibly as deputy prime minister or a major department head. Reeves, the shadow chancellor, is likely to become chancellor of the exchequer, given her economic credentials. Lammy, shadow foreign secretary, is tipped to take on the foreign office.
Dilemmas and Balancing Acts
Burnham faces several dilemmas, including how to handle the left wing of the party. Appointing figures like John McDonnell or Rebecca Long-Bailey could appease the left but risk alienating centrists. Conversely, excluding them might cause internal strife. Another challenge is gender balance: Burnham has pledged a cabinet that reflects the country, but achieving parity may require tough decisions. Regional representation is also key, with northern MPs expecting prominent roles to reflect the party's electoral base.
Expected Timeline and Process
The process will unfold quickly: after Starmer's resignation, Burnham will be invited to Buckingham Palace to kiss hands and become PM. He will then return to Downing Street, where he will begin announcing cabinet appointments throughout the day. The first cabinet meeting is expected to take place on Tuesday. Burnham will also need to appoint a chief whip and other key parliamentary positions to ensure smooth legislative business.
According to party insiders, Burnham is keen to hit the ground running, with a focus on economic growth, NHS reform, and climate action. The cabinet will be expected to reflect these priorities, with appointments likely to include a dedicated climate minister and a health secretary with a mandate for reform.
Reactions and Expectations
Political analysts have noted that Burnham's cabinet choices will signal his governing style and priorities. A senior Labour source commented, "Andy understands the need to unite the party and the country. His cabinet will be a blend of experience and fresh talent." However, some MPs have expressed concern about the speed of the transition, warning that rushed decisions could lead to missteps.
