British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has unveiled his first Cabinet, sweeping aside many of the ministers who served under Sir Keir Starmer and signaling a decisive shift in the Labour government’s direction just days after winning the party leadership.
Burnham, who was formally appointed prime minister by King Charles III on Monday following Starmer’s resignation, used his first day in office to reshape the top ranks of government around a platform focused on tackling the cost-of-living crisis, decentralising power and ending rough sleeping. (AP News)
The new Cabinet features several high-profile changes. Former Defence Secretary John Healey has been appointed Chancellor, replacing Rachel Reeves. Ed Miliband becomes Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper takes over as Health Secretary, Wes Streeting is the new Defence Secretary, while Shabana Mahmood remains Home Secretary. Angela Rayner returns to Cabinet as Housing Secretary, and Louise Haigh has been appointed First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. (The Guardian)
Several senior figures closely associated with the Starmer administration have left government, including former Chancellor Rachel Reeves and former Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The reshuffle also saw changes across business, justice and other key departments, underscoring Burnham’s intention to build a team aligned with his own political priorities rather than maintain continuity with his predecessor. (The Guardian)
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street after being invited by the King to form a government, Burnham acknowledged Britain’s recent political instability and pledged to restore confidence in government.
“I will put the care of people at the heart of everything I do,” he said, promising immediate measures to ease household costs before unveiling a broader 10-year national plan later this year. He also announced that his first instruction as prime minister would be to begin ending rough sleeping across England. (GOV.UK)
Burnham has indicated that his government will prioritize lower energy bills, greater investment in public services, expanded council housing and devolving more powers to regional authorities. He has also reaffirmed Britain’s commitments to NATO and Ukraine while maintaining plans to increase defence spending in the coming years. (AP News)
The transition marks the end of Keir Starmer’s tenure as prime minister, just two years after Labour’s landslide victory in the 2024 general election. In his farewell address outside Downing Street, Starmer defended his government’s record on economic recovery, public services and national security, while expressing confidence that Burnham would lead the country successfully.
“As I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham, I wish him every success. He has my full support,” Starmer said before formally leaving office. (GOV.UK)
Burnham now faces immediate challenges, including slowing economic growth, rising energy prices linked to instability in the Middle East, pressure on public finances and ongoing international security concerns. His first weeks in office are expected to test whether Labour’s new leadership can deliver on promises to revive the economy while maintaining fiscal discipline. (AP News)
