LONDON: Andy Burnham became Prime Minister on July 20, after the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer. Following his appointment, Burnham immediately carried out a major reshuffle of the Cabinet and removed many prominent members of Starmer’s Cabinet, including Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, and Lord Richard Hermer. Burnham’s decision indicates his desire to assert himself over the Labour Party and take the country in a fresh direction.
Andy Burnham Becomes UK Prime Minister: Who is Andy Burnham and Why Has He Reshuffled the Cabinet?
Andy Burnham is one of Labour’s most experienced politicians, having served as Health Secretary, Culture Secretary and Chief Secretary to the Treasury before becoming the Mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017. During his time as mayor, he gained national recognition for championing regional devolution, public transport reforms, NHS improvements and investment outside London. His return to Westminster as Prime Minister is seen as an opportunity to reshape Labour’s agenda around economic growth, public services and regional development.
The Cabinet reshuffle is widely viewed as Burnham’s effort to establish his own leadership rather than continue with Sir Keir Starmer’s ministerial team. Every new Prime Minister traditionally appoints a Cabinet that reflects their priorities, and Burnham’s decisions are aimed at refreshing the government, strengthening party unity and preparing Labour for the challenges ahead. The changes also come as the government seeks to maintain economic confidence while addressing the cost-of-living crisis, NHS pressures and housing reform.
Cabinet Ministers Who Are Out (Served Since 2024)
Rachel Reeves: Chancellor of the Exchequer.
David Lammy: Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary.
Peter Kyle: Business Secretary.
Steve Reed: Housing Secretary.
Liz Kendall: Science and Technology Secretary.
Jo Stevens: Welsh Secretary.
Darren Jones: Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Hilary Benn: Northern Ireland Secretary.
James Murray: Health Secretary.
Lord Richard Hermer: Attorney General.
Cabinet Ministers Who Are In (Appointed in 2026 Reshuffle)
John Healey: Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Ed Miliband: Foreign Secretary.
Shabana Mahmood: Home Secretary.
Louise Haigh: Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, First Secretary of State and Cabinet Office Minister.
Pat McFadden: Work and Pensions Secretary.
Yvette Cooper: Health Secretary.
Angela Rayner: Housing Secretary.
Andy Burnham Becomes UK Prime Minister: What Comes Next Under Burnham’s Government?
Andy Burnham has indicated that growth of the economy, NHS reform, regional investment, and improving the quality of life will be his government’s priorities. Devolution will be expanded, public services strengthened, housing development increased, and cost of living issues addressed. In the commitment to net zero, Labour will have to find a way of balancing the environmental impact with the desire for economic competitiveness and energy security.
