Andy Burnham has selected his new-look Cabinet after replacing Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.
The former Greater Manchester Mayor has promised the biggest change to British politics in 40 years, and has already swept away key figures from Sir Keir Starmer’s Government.
Here, GB News takes a look at the appointments.
John Healey – Chancellor
Mr Healey served in the Blair-Brown governments, as well as the shadow cabinets of Ed Miliband, Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer.
He then became Mr Starmer’s Defence Secretary after the 2024 general election.
Mr Healey will now lead the Treasury, the department which sparked his departure from Government in June.
He resigned as Defence Secretary after a row about increasing defence spending, a moment which contributed hugely to Sir Keir’s demise.
John Healey is the new Chancellor
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Ed Miliband – Foreign Secretary
Mr Miliband first rose to prominence during the Blair-Brown era and later became Labour leader, where he was famously dubbed “Red Ed” by his critics.
After returning to frontline politics following the Corbyn years, he served as Energy Secretary in Sir Keir Starmer’s government, leading the party’s Net Zero agenda.
He will now take on the role of Foreign Secretary, with his experience negotiating with international partners viewed as a key reason behind his appointment.
Ed Milband is the new Foreign Secretary
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Shabana Mahmood – Home Secretary
Ms Mahmood remains in charge of the Home Office under Mr Burnham, where she will continue overseeing Labour’s efforts to tighten migration controls.
Her position could come under pressure from MPs calling for a softer approach to recent reforms.
A former barrister and one of the first Muslim women elected to the Commons, Ms Mahmood entered Parliament for Birmingham Ladywood in 2010 and previously served as Justice Secretary.
Louise Haigh – Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and First Secretary of State
Ms Haigh was a key ally of Mr Burnham during his return to Westminster and rise to Downing Street, becoming one of the central figures behind his campaign.
After resigning as Transport Secretary over a historic police matter, she later criticised the culture at the centre of Sir Keir Starmer’s No 10 operation.
She will now be tasked with driving Mr Burnham’s priorities across Whitehall, including devolution and tackling the cost-of-living crisis.
Yvette Cooper – Health Secretary
Ms Cooper moves to the health brief after serving as Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary under Sir Keir Starmer, taking charge of one of the Government’s biggest challenges.
A veteran Labour figure, she served in the Blair and Brown governments before returning to the frontbench under Mr Starmer.
She has now been handed responsibility for reforming social care, a key priority for Mr Burnham’s premiership.
Pat McFadden – Work and Pensions Secretary
Mr McFadden remains in charge of welfare and pensions, having built a reputation as one of Labour’s most trusted and experienced operators.
A key figure in shaping the party’s strategy before the election, he was widely regarded as one of Sir Keir Starmer’s closest allies and often played a behind-the-scenes role in setting the Government’s direction.
Angela Rayner – Housing Secretary
Ms Rayner returns to the Cabinet as Housing Secretary after previously serving as Deputy Prime Minister under Sir Keir Starmer.
A key figure on Labour’s left and a close ally of Mr Burnham, she will be tasked with delivering the Government’s housebuilding ambitions and tackling the housing crisis.
Her return sees her reclaim the housing brief she held before her resignation, when she was also serving as Deputy Prime Minister.
Her departure from Government last year was a major political controversy, after she resigned following questions over her tax affairs and the sale of her former home.
Angela Rayner was formerly Deputy Prime Minister
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REUTERSLucy Powell – Education Secretary
Ms Powell returns to the Cabinet as Education Secretary, having previously operated as Leader of the House of Commons under Sir Keir Starmer.
A long-standing Labour figure, she has held a number of frontbench roles and was a key figure in the party’s 2024 election campaign.
She will now oversee the education agenda, including its plans to improve standards in schools and expand opportunities for young people.
Jonathan Reynolds – Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary
Mr Reynolds returns to the Cabinet as Business Secretary, having previously held the brief under Sir Keir Starmer’s government.
A long-serving Labour MP and former shadow cabinet member, he was a key figure in shaping the party’s offer to businesses before the 2024 election.
He will now be responsible for driving the Government’s growth agenda, supporting British industry and overseeing the country’s approach to trade and investment.
Wes Streeting has been handed Defence Secretary
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Anneliese Midgley – Chief Whip
Ms Midgley joins the Cabinet as Chief Whip, taking responsibility for party discipline and managing the Government’s business in Parliament.
A key role at the heart of Downing Street’s operation, she will be tasked with maintaining Labour’s majority and ensuring the Government’s legislative programme is delivered through the Commons.
Bridget Phillipson – Minister for Women and Equalities
Ms Phillipson remains a full member of the Cabinet as Minister for Women and Equalities, reporting directly to the Prime Minister.
She previously served as Education Secretary under Sir Keir Starmer’s Government, where she was responsible for Labour’s education reform plans.
Lisa Nandy – Culture Secretary
Ms Nandy remains as Culture Secretary under Mr Burnham, keeping her place at the Cabinet table.
She previously served in the role under Sir Keir Starmer’s government, where she was responsible for overseeing the arts, media, sport and the UK’s cultural institutions.
Wes Streeting – Defence Secretary
Mr Streeting takes over as Defence Secretary after serving as Health Secretary under Sir Keir Starmer’s government, where he was tasked with tackling the NHS waiting list crisis.
A close ally of Mr Burnham, he was chosen ahead of Dan Jarvis, the former soldier and Labour MP who had been widely linked with the role.
Mr Streeting will now oversee Britain’s defence policy, including plans to increase military spending and strengthen the armed forces.
Alex Norris – Justice Secretary
Mr Norris takes on the Justice brief, moving into one of the Government’s key domestic roles.
A long-serving Labour MP and former shadow minister, he has previously held positions covering local government and public services.
He will now be responsible for overseeing the justice system, including prisons, courts and Labour’s plans to reform the criminal justice system.
Dame Angela Eagle – Environment Secretary
Dame Angela Eagle returns to Cabinet as Environment Secretary, bringing decades of parliamentary experience to the role.
A veteran Labour figure, she has previously served in a number of frontbench positions and was one of the party’s most experienced voices during its years in opposition.
She will now oversee the Government’s environmental agenda, including efforts on farming, nature protection and tackling climate change.
Miatta Fahnbulleh – Energy Secretary
Ms Fahnbulleh takes on the Energy brief, becoming one of the key figures responsible for delivering the Government’s energy strategy.
A former policy adviser and Labour MP, she has built a reputation around issues including economic reform, climate policy and tackling inequality.
She will now lead work on Britain’s energy transition and plans to reshape the country’s energy system.
