Andy Burnham has announced his first Cabinet appointments, with John Healey as Chancellor and Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary. Healey replaces Rachel Reeves, who confirmed her departure from the Cabinet on social media. David Lammy has also stepped down from his role as deputy prime minister. Ed Miliband takes over the position of Foreign Secretary from Yvette Cooper. Other key figures from the previous administration, including Peter Kyle, have been removed from their posts. Healey, who resigned as defence secretary under Keir Starmer’s leadership, is now part of Burnham’s team.
In a departure from tradition, Burnham delivered a speech outlining his vision for the UK without a lectern or notes. He emphasized his commitment to ending rough sleeping as his first action. Shortly after this announcement, Housing Secretary Steve Reed OBE resigned from his position.
Shabana Mahmood has been reappointed as Home Secretary in Burnham’s government, being one of the few remaining members from Starmer’s Cabinet. Yvette Cooper, the former Foreign Secretary, arrived at No10 as part of the transitional process.
John Healey was appointed Chancellor in Burnham’s first Cabinet announcement. Nick Thomas-Symonds is leaving his role as the EU relations minister and paymaster general, opting to support the new ministerial team from the backbenches.
Baroness Jenny Chapman of Darlington, the Foreign Office minister, has also left the government due to challenges related to budget cuts in foreign aid. She expressed pride in serving under Keir Starmer’s leadership and wished success to the new Prime Minister and his team.
Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland secretary, has stepped down, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the role and pledging support to Burnham’s government from the backbenches.
During his initial phone call with US President Donald Trump, Burnham discussed the recent FIFA World Cup and expressed his desire to showcase Manchester to the President during a future visit. The two leaders also touched on various global issues, including the situation in the Middle East and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Burnham has also engaged with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing continued support for Ukraine and discussing future cooperation between the two countries.
In a series of changes, various Cabinet members, including Liz Kendall, Lord Richard Hermer, and Jo Stevens, have announced their departures from their respective roles in Burnham’s administration. These resignations reflect Burnham’s restructuring of the government.
As Burnham assumes office, there have been fluctuations in government borrowing costs and the value of the pound, indicating reactions to the new leadership. Burnham has hinted at potential tax cuts for lower earners and outlined plans to address the cost of living challenges faced by the public.
The reshuffling of key positions within the Cabinet underscores Burnham’s commitment to implementing his vision for a revitalized government and addressing the pressing issues facing the country.
