Andy Burnham has begun his premiership with a dramatic Cabinet reshuffle, removing 12 high-profile ministers from their positions on his first day in office. The new Prime Minister, who took over from Sir Keir Starmer, pledged to deliver the biggest change to British politics in 40 years.
Key Departures
Among the first to be axed were Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, and Environment and Housing Secretary Steve Reed. These three Starmer loyalists set the tone for Burnham's new government. Other major figures shown the door include Business Secretary Peter Kyle, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, and Attorney General Lord Hermer, who all confirmed they were stepping down on Monday afternoon.
Jo Stevens lost her role as Secretary of State for Wales, and Chief Secretary Darren Jones was told he would not be part of the new Cabinet. Hilary Benn, Northern Ireland Secretary, Health Secretary James Murray, Foreign Office Minister Baroness Jenny Chapman of Darlington, and EU Relations Minister and Paymaster General Nick Thomas-Symonds were also ousted.
Reactions from Departing Ministers
The departing ministers issued statements of varying degrees of regret. Steve Reed admitted he was "disappointed to be leaving Government now" in a letter to Burnham. David Lammy said he "would have been proud to continue serving in Cabinet" but conceded that "a new Prime Minister is entitled to build his own team." Rachel Reeves, whose time as Chancellor was closely linked to Starmer's unpopular premiership, described the role as "the privilege of my life" and wished "the very best of luck" to Burnham and the incoming Cabinet.
Full List of Ousted Cabinet Members
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves
- Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy
- Environment and Housing Secretary Steve Reed
- Business Secretary Peter Kyle
- Technology Secretary Liz Kendall
- Attorney General Lord Hermer
- Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens
- Chief Secretary Darren Jones
- Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn
- Health Secretary James Murray
- Foreign Office Minister Baroness Jenny Chapman of Darlington
- EU Relations Minister and Paymaster General Nick Thomas-Symonds
This reshuffle marks a significant shift in the Labour government, with Burnham asserting his authority and building a team aligned with his vision for change.
