Andy Burnham's New Cabinet: A Shift in Britain's Direction
Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reshuffled his cabinet, ousting Starmer loyalists and promoting northern allies, signaling a move toward more state control and welfare reform.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham carried out a major cabinet reshuffle on July 20, 2026, swiftly removing key allies of former leader Keir Starmer. The biggest surprise was John Healey as Chancellor, who had resigned as defense secretary five weeks earlier over insufficient defense spending. Healey now faces the challenge of funding a defense spending increase to 3% of GDP by 2030 while maintaining fiscal stability.
Ed Miliband, a former Labour leader and member of the party's left, became Foreign Secretary. Miliband had previously blocked UK military action in Syria and opposed US plans to use Diego Garcia for strikes on Iran, which may complicate relations with the Trump administration. Shabana Mahmood retained her post as Home Secretary, and Miatta Fahnbulleh took over the energy and climate portfolio. Wes Streeting, who had challenged Starmer, was named Defense Secretary despite lacking experience in foreign affairs.
Burnham also rewarded MPs who had fallen out with Starmer. Louise Haigh, a rebel who forced a U-turn on welfare reforms, became Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and First Secretary of State, effectively second in command. Angela Rayner returned as Housing Secretary, Lucy Powell as Education Secretary, and Jonathan Reynolds returned as Business Secretary. Anneliese Midgley, one of Burnham's 'Northern Queens', became Chief Whip.
Losers included Yvette Cooper, demoted from Foreign Secretary to Health Secretary, though Burnham plans a major social care reform that could raise her profile. Pat McFadden remained as Work and Pensions Secretary, signaling a serious welfare overhaul. Lisa Nandy stayed on as Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, now also overseeing digital policy, while Kanishka Narayan became AI Minister.
