Burnham's Cabinet Shake-Up
Prime Minister Richard Burnham Pledges Cost-of-Living Support, Announcing Major Cabinet Reshuffle
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Andy Burnham has been named the new UK Prime Minister and wasted no time, pledging early cost-of-living support for struggling households and chairing his first Cabinet meeting, according to Somerset County Gazette. Burnham promised to deliver what he called "a new political model and economic model for Britain."
The new PM made sweeping changes to the Cabinet, replacing nearly every major figure from Sir Keir Starmer's government. The reshuffle signals a sharp break from the previous administration, Cotswold Journal reported.
John Healey Replaces Rachel Reeves as Chancellor
John Healey takes over as Chancellor of the Exchequer, replacing Rachel Reeves. Reeves was one of the most prominent figures axed in the reshuffle. Healey's appointment signals Burnham's intent to reshape economic policy from day one, according to Evesham Journal.
Other key Starmer-era figures were also shown the door. Former deputy prime minister David Lammy, ex-attorney general Lord Hermer, and former housing secretary Steve Reed were all removed from their roles, Andover Advertiser reported.
Miliband, Rayner and Streeting Take on New Roles
Ed Miliband was appointed Foreign Secretary. Shabana Mahmood became Home Secretary. Wes Streeting moved to Defence Secretary — a significant shift from his previous role running health policy, according to Rhyl Journal.
Angela Rayner returned to government as Housing Secretary. Louise Haigh also joined the Cabinet, replacing Steve Reed. The new lineup gives Burnham a team built around his own allies rather than Starmer's inner circle, NW Evening Mail reported.
Science Department Scrapped and Split Between Ministries
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology — known as DSIT — was abolished entirely. Its policy areas were split up and handed to other departments, according to Cotswold Journal. This makes it one of the most drastic structural changes in the reshuffle.
The move suggests Burnham wants a leaner government structure. Science and innovation policy will now be handled across multiple departments rather than under one dedicated ministry.
Burnham's Cost-of-Living Pledge Sets Tone for New Government
Burnham put household finances front and center from the start. He pledged to roll out early support for families hit by the cost-of-living crisis, according to Somerset County Gazette. No specific figures or policies have been announced yet ahead of his first Cabinet meeting.
The new PM is expected to use the Cabinet meeting to set priorities and signal what legislation may come first. His focus on living costs points to economic relief as the defining issue of the early Burnham government, Rhyl Journal reported.
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