UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham unveils new government, replacing Starmer era
Andy Burnham became UK Prime Minister on Monday, purging the cabinet of predecessor Keir Starmer's loyalists and promising a 10-year plan to ease cost-of-living pressures.
New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham took office on Monday, immediately dismissing several loyalists of his predecessor Keir Starmer from the cabinet. Key figures such as Finance Minister Rachel Reeves and Foreign Minister David Lammy were sacked, while other ministers were moved to different posts or promoted. Former Defence Secretary John Healey succeeded Reeves as finance minister, Ed Miliband became foreign minister, and left-wing figure Angela Rayner returned to government. Wes Streeting, who abandoned plans to run against Burnham for party leadership, was appointed defence minister. Shabana Mahmood was reappointed interior minister to continue her hardline asylum reforms.
Upon taking power, Burnham held separate phone calls with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. According to a UK government spokesperson, Burnham underlined his commitment to defence and security in the call with Trump. Trump later posted on Truth Social that they discussed trade, military cooperation, and demining the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the US would help. With Zelensky, Burnham reaffirmed Britain's resolute support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion.
In his speech outside Downing Street, Burnham promised a new 10-year plan to ease cost-of-living pressures, end rough sleeping, re-industrialise Britain, and decentralise power from Westminster. He said he would start announcing measures on Tuesday. He also pledged to build more public housing and put basic necessities under stronger public control, repeating his belief that Britain took wrong turns in the 1980s.
Starmer, who left Downing Street earlier, insisted his two years in office made Britain “stronger and fairer”. However, his premiership was marked by scandals and policy U-turns. Burnham inherits a weak economy, high borrowing costs, a growing welfare bill, irregular migration, and volatile energy prices due to the US-Iran war. His rapid appointment as Labour leader and prime minister without a contest has raised questions about his mandate, with the opposition calling for a snap election. French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Burnham and urged him to give new momentum to the partnership with the European Union.
