Andy Burnham has officially become Britain's latest Prime Minister, making history as the first MP from the North West to hold the office since Harold Wilson. In his first speech outside Downing Street on Monday, he promised to end rough sleeping and implement a ten-year plan to transform the UK's political and economic model.
Mr Burnham has reshuffled his cabinet, appointing former Defence Secretary John Healey as Chancellor and Wes Streeting as Defence Secretary. Ed Miliband takes the role of Foreign Secretary, while Yvette Cooper becomes Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. Louise Haigh has been appointed First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Minister for the Cabinet Office.
Four Greater Manchester MPs have secured cabinet positions: Angela Rayner as Housing Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds as Business Secretary, Lucy Powell as Education Secretary, and Lisa Nandy retaining her role as Culture Secretary. Shabana Mahmood has been reappointed Home Secretary, and Pat McFadden remains Work and Pensions Secretary. Bridget Phillipson continues as Minister for Women and Equalities, reporting directly to the Prime Minister.
Outgoing cabinet members include former Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, and Business Secretary Peter Kyle, among others. Mr Burnham has also spoken with US President Donald Trump, reportedly inviting him to Manchester, and with European Council President Antonio Costa, emphasising closer UK-EU ties.
