Andy Burnham's first cabinet: loyalists rewarded, Starmer allies purged

Cabinet lineup

Andy Burnham, after becoming prime minister, has appointed his first cabinet. The new team rewards those who backed his takeover bid while attempting to show inclusivity across party wings. However, a number of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer's allies have lost their positions.

Who is in:

• John Healey – appointed as Chancellor in a surprise move. The former defence secretary resigned from Starmer's government over insufficient defence funding. Healey, 66, is a seasoned politician, having served as a minister under Blair and Brown and in shadow cabinets under Miliband, Corbyn, and Starmer. He is known as a steady, low-key figure.
• Shabana Mahmood – retains her role as Home Secretary. Considered on the right of the party, she is socially conservative and tough on crime. She ran Labour's 2024 election campaign and previously served as Justice Secretary.
• Ed Miliband – named Foreign Secretary. A former party leader who has survived multiple political crises. Though initially tipped for Chancellor, concerns over his left-wing views and climate stance led to a different post. He is expected to pursue a more pro-Palestinian foreign policy.
• Yvette Cooper – becomes Health Secretary, moved from the Foreign Office to focus on healthcare and social care reform, a key priority for Burnham. Cooper is a veteran minister, having served under Blair and Brown.
• Pat McFadden – stays on as Work and Pensions Secretary. One of the most experienced ministers, he will continue social security reforms. McFadden was Starmer's national campaigns coordinator.
• Louise Haigh – appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, First Secretary of State and Cabinet Office Minister. She becomes Burnham's chief organiser and deputy. Haigh was sacked by Starmer as Transport Secretary over a fraud conviction related to a mobile phone but has returned to cabinet.

Who is out:

• Rachel Reeves – former Chancellor, who had always wanted the role and was the UK's first female holder. She was seen as too closely tied to the Starmer project. Reeves faced criticism for exaggerating her economist credentials on LinkedIn and plagiarism in a book. In her departure statement, she expressed pride in stabilising the economy.
• David Lammy – former Foreign Secretary, who indicated he was willing to stay but was not included by Burnham. He acknowledged the new PM's right to build his own team.
• Darren Jones – former Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, who confirmed on social media he would not be in the new cabinet.

The new cabinet is expected to focus on reindustrialisation, social reform, and a shift in foreign policy, particularly regarding Gaza and UK aid commitments.