Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced his first Cabinet, making sweeping changes across government as he begins his premiership with a pledge to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and reshape Labour’s direction.
The new administration includes several senior appointments while a number of key allies of former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have left government.
Among the most significant changes is the appointment of John Healey as Chancellor of the Exchequer, replacing Rachel Reeves. Ed Miliband has been named Foreign Secretary, while Angela Rayner returns to government as Housing Secretary.
On his first day in office, Burnham also announced that VAT on domestic electricity bills will be scrapped from October 1 and pledged to eliminate rough sleeping, describing his programme as “a new political model and a new economic model” aimed at easing pressure on households.
Key Cabinet appointments
John Healey – Chancellor of the Exchequer
A senior Labour figure with ministerial experience under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, Healey takes charge of the Treasury after previously serving as Defence Secretary. Burnham’s team described him as a trusted and experienced figure capable of delivering the government’s economic agenda.
Ed Miliband – Foreign Secretary
Former Labour leader Ed Miliband moves from the Energy brief to become Britain’s chief diplomat. He is expected to lead the government’s international strategy and foreign policy.
Shabana Mahmood – Home Secretary
Shabana Mahmood remains Home Secretary, retaining responsibility for immigration, policing and national security. She is expected to continue overseeing Labour’s migration policies.
Louise Haigh – Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and First Secretary of State
A key ally of Burnham during his leadership campaign, Haigh will coordinate government policy across Whitehall and play a central role in delivering the prime minister’s domestic agenda.
Yvette Cooper – Health Secretary
Former Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper takes over responsibility for health and social care, with reforming the NHS and improving social care expected to be among her priorities.
Wes Streeting – Defence Secretary
Wes Streeting becomes Defence Secretary after opting not to contest the Labour leadership. He will oversee defence policy and military spending.
Angela Rayner – Housing Secretary
Angela Rayner returns to frontline government as Housing Secretary, where she is expected to focus on increasing housing supply and addressing affordability challenges.
Pat McFadden – Work and Pensions Secretary
McFadden remains in charge of welfare and pensions, providing continuity in one of the government’s largest spending departments.
Jonathan Reynolds – Business Secretary
Jonathan Reynolds returns as Business Secretary, with an expanded portfolio that includes science and technology alongside business and investment.
Lucy Powell – Education Secretary
Lucy Powell takes charge of education while continuing as Labour’s deputy leader, overseeing schools, universities and skills policy.
Anneliese Midgley – Chief Whip
Midgley becomes the government’s chief whip, responsible for managing Labour’s parliamentary business and maintaining party discipline.
Bridget Phillipson – Minister for Women and Equalities
Although no longer Education Secretary, Phillipson remains in Cabinet with responsibility for equalities policy.
Lisa Nandy – Culture Secretary
Lisa Nandy retains the Culture portfolio, continuing to oversee media, sport, arts and the creative industries.
Alex Norris – Justice Secretary
Alex Norris is promoted to Justice Secretary after previously serving as Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum.
Dame Angela Eagle – Environment Secretary
Angela Eagle joins the Cabinet as Environment Secretary, overseeing environmental protection, farming and climate policy.
Miatta Fahnbulleh – Energy Secretary
A close Burnham ally, Miatta Fahnbulleh becomes Energy Secretary and is expected to play a leading role in delivering the government’s energy reforms.
Ellie Reeves – Attorney General
Ellie Reeves continues as the government’s chief legal adviser after previously serving as Solicitor General.
Heidi Alexander – Transport Secretary
Heidi Alexander remains Transport Secretary, providing continuity in transport and infrastructure policy.
Sir Chris Bryant – Northern Ireland Secretary
Veteran Labour MP Sir Chris Bryant assumes responsibility for Northern Ireland affairs.
Douglas Alexander – Secretary of State for Scotland
Douglas Alexander returns to government as Scottish Secretary, drawing on his extensive ministerial experience under previous Labour administrations.
Stephen Kinnock – Secretary of State for Wales
Stephen Kinnock joins the Cabinet as Welsh Secretary, replacing Jo Stevens.
Senior departures
Several prominent members of Sir Keir Starmer’s government have left Cabinet following Burnham’s reshuffle, including former Chancellor Rachel Reeves, former Foreign Secretary David Lammy and former Business Secretary Peter Kyle.
The appointments reflect Burnham’s effort to combine experienced Labour figures with close political allies as he seeks to deliver his agenda on economic growth, public services, housing and the cost of living during his first months in office.
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