New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to hold his first Cabinet meeting on Tuesday after reshaping the government following his takeover of the Labour Party leadership. Burnham’s arrival at Downing Street has been marked by the removal of several senior figures associated with former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as he begins forming an administration focused on his political priorities.
Burnham became Britain’s seventh prime minister since 2016 after replacing Starmer as Labour leader. Starmer stepped down two years after securing a major election victory, following a series of political setbacks, policy reversals and growing pressure from within his own party. In his first address as prime minister, Burnham promised to address the cost-of-living crisis, transfer more power away from Westminster, support industrial growth and tackle homelessness.
As an early measure, Burnham announced a reduction in energy bills that is expected to save the average household around £45 ($60) annually. The change will take effect from October 1 and will be funded by cancelling Starmer’s proposed digital identity card scheme, which had faced criticism from opponents and some sections of the public.
Also Read: Report Claims Israel’s Alleged Plan To Back Ahmadinejad For Iran Leadership Failed
The new prime minister has also made significant changes to key government positions. Rachel Reeves has been replaced as finance minister by John Healey, a former defence secretary who previously criticised Treasury spending priorities. Healey has argued for increasing defence spending from a projected 2.6% of GDP next year to 3% by 2030, a move that will require additional government funding.
Wes Streeting, whose resignation as health secretary contributed to pressure on Starmer’s leadership, has moved into the defence role. The appointment comes amid heightened international tensions, with the UK Ministry of Defence confirming that the Russian frigate Neustrashimy conducted a live-fire exercise in the English Channel while being monitored by the Royal Navy.
Burnham’s new Cabinet includes Ed Miliband as foreign secretary, Angela Rayner as housing secretary, Jonathan Reynolds as business secretary with an expanded innovation and science portfolio, and Louise Haigh as First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Shabana Mahmood will continue as home secretary. Several former Starmer allies, including David Lammy, Peter Kyle and Darren Jones, have been removed from government as Burnham begins a new phase of Labour leadership.
Also Read: Karnataka Cabinet Expansion: Congress Leadership To Decide After Rahul Gandhi’s Return