Andy Burnham has announced his first Cabinet appointments, selecting John Healey as Chancellor and Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary.
Healey replaces Rachel Reeves as Chancellor, with Reeves confirming her departure from the Cabinet on social media. David Lammy has also left his position as Deputy Prime Minister, a role he was appointed to by Keir Starmer last year.
Miliband has been appointed as the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, taking over from Yvette Cooper. Notable figures from the Starmer era, including Peter Kyle, have been removed from their positions. Kyle’s replacement has not been confirmed yet. Healey, who recently resigned as Starmer’s defence secretary over military funding issues, has now joined Burnham’s Cabinet as Chancellor.
In a departure from tradition, Burnham delivered a speech without a lectern or notes, outlining his vision for the UK. He pledged to take immediate action to address rough sleeping. However, shortly after this announcement, Housing Secretary Steve Reed OBE resigned.
Other key changes in the new government include the departure of Yvette Cooper as Foreign Secretary and Hilary Benn as Northern Ireland Secretary.
In another development, Burnham had a conversation with US President Donald Trump, where they discussed various topics, including the World Cup and security issues in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister also hinted at potential tax cuts for lower earners and outlined plans to address cost-of-living challenges. Additionally, he emphasized his commitment to defense and security.
The new government’s initiatives have already impacted financial markets, with government bond yields rising and the pound weakening. The FTSE 100 also closed lower following Burnham’s appointment.
In a series of statements, various ministers, including Liz Kendall, Rachel Reeves, and David Lammy, have confirmed their departures from the Cabinet, expressing support for Burnham’s administration from the backbenches.
The changes in the government’s composition highlight the significant shifts under Burnham’s leadership, setting the stage for a new direction in British politics.