Andy Burnham is set to become the next Prime Minister, taking over from Sir Keir Starmer. He will be officially announced as the next leader at a special conference on Friday, July 17. Burnham has remained tight-lipped about his Cabinet appointments, but several key figures are being tipped for top roles.
Ed Miliband tipped for Chancellor
Ed Miliband is widely seen as a potential Chancellor, possibly succeeding Rachel Reeves. His net zero agenda aligns with Burnham's industrial strategy, though he could be divisive. To secure the job, Miliband may soften his stance on North Sea drilling.
Shabana Mahmood may stay as Home Secretary
Shabana Mahmood is also a contender for Chancellor but is thought to want to remain as Home Secretary to continue her asylum reforms. Burnham has backed her positions, including controversial changes and a law change linked to deportation in a grooming gang case.
Yvette Cooper in the mix for Treasury
Yvette Cooper is reportedly in the running for a move to the Treasury, though she could remain Foreign Secretary. She is seen as a continuity option, aligned with Burnham's likely stance on closer EU ties, Nato, the nuclear deterrent, support for Ukraine, and AI regulation.
Starmer expected to return to back benches
Keir Starmer has been mentioned for a foreign-policy-heavy role but is expected to return to the back benches after being ousted. Other foreign policy possibilities include David Miliband returning via the Lords and ex-defence secretary John Healey, who quit over defence funding.
Wes Streeting could return to Cabinet
Wes Streeting is another former senior figure who could return to Cabinet, with suggestions he may have struck a deal with Burnham in exchange for not running for the leadership. Burnham may also promote allies from his inner circle, including Louise Haigh and Anneliese Midgley.
Louise Haigh and Anneliese Midgley considered
Louise Haigh is reported to be a contender for a senior Cabinet Office-style role despite having resigned as transport secretary after details emerged of a past criminal offence. Midgley, a newer MP with trade union and party experience, alongside adviser Miatta Fahnbulleh and Burnham backer Lucy Powell, are also portrayed as possible picks. Powell is linked to a deputy PM role based in Manchester.
Angela Rayner could return for devolution
Angela Rayner could also be brought back, with devolution expected to be central to Burnham's premiership—an area where she has experience. It remains unclear which of Starmer's final Cabinet will stay, with some figures seen as likely outsiders or potential departures, and others judged less likely to remain due to loyalty dynamics.
