British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has unveiled his first Cabinet, appointing Ed Miliband, Shabana Mahmood and John Healey to some of the government’s most senior positions as he begins leading a new Labour administration following a decade of political turbulence.
Burnham named John Healey as Chancellor, Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary and Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary, placing three of Labour’s most experienced figures at the centre of his government. The appointments were announced shortly after Burnham formally took office.
Other key appointments include Wes Streeting as Defence Secretary, Yvette Cooper as Health Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds as Business Secretary, Angela Rayner as Housing Secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh as Energy Secretary, Louise Haigh as First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Alex Norris as Justice Secretary.
The reshuffle marks a significant break from the previous Labour administration led by Keir Starmer, with several senior ministers leaving frontline government. Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves, former Foreign Secretary David Lammy and former Culture Secretary Jo Stevens were among those replaced in Burnham’s new Cabinet.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham pledged to focus on easing the cost of living crisis, strengthening public services, tackling homelessness and devolving greater powers to local authorities. He also outlined plans to pursue long term economic growth through a 10 year national renewal strategy.
Political analysts said the appointments reflect Burnham’s intention to combine experienced ministers with a fresh governing approach as Labour seeks to deliver on promises of economic reform, regional development and improved public services. The new Cabinet is expected to begin work immediately on legislation covering housing, energy, healthcare and economic policy.
Burnham’s first Cabinet appointments are being closely watched by financial markets, political observers and international partners as the new prime minister prepares to set out his legislative agenda in Parliament in the coming weeks.
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