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Andy Burnham's New Cabinet (2026)

Andy Burnham's New Cabinet (2026)

Compiled: 20 Jul 2026 · Last updated: 17 Aug 2026 21:46 BST

Summary

Andy Burnham was formally appointed prime minister by King Charles at Buckingham Palace on the afternoon of Monday 20 July 2026, succeeding Keir Starmer, who resigned as Labour leader the previous month. In his first address outside No 10, Burnham promised to "make this moment a circuit breaker for Britain" and deliver "the biggest changes in the last 40 years." His first cabinet represents a sweeping clear-out of ministers closely associated with the Starmer government, returning several "soft left" figures and allies to the top table. The reshuffle was still being updated as further appointments were announced at time of writing.

Timeline of Events

Date Event
Jun 2026 Burnham returns to Parliament as MP for Makerfield
Jun 2026 Starmer resigns as Labour leader
Jul 2026 Burnham wins backing of 379 of Labour's 403 MPs to replace Starmer
20 Jul 2026 (pm) Burnham appointed PM by King Charles at Buckingham Palace
20 Jul 2026 (pm) Burnham delivers first speech as PM outside No 10
20 Jul 2026 (eve) Cabinet appointments and departures announced

Background

  • Who: Andy Burnham (PM), supported by a returned "soft left" caucus and Greater Manchester allies.
  • Where: 10 Downing Street / Westminster.
  • Why: Leadership transition following Starmer's resignation; Burnham pledged a "new political model and a new economic model."
  • Political context: Outgoing Starmer cabinet ministers — including Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, Steve Reed, Peter Kyle — were removed. Several previously sacked or departed figures (Louise Haigh, Angela Rayner, John Healey, Yvette Cooper) returned.

Appointments — Who's In

Per BBC News / Wikipedia (21 Jul 2026). The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology was abolished; its functions split between the renamed Business department and DCMS.

Cabinet Ministers

Role Appointee Notes
Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service Andy Burnham (Makerfield)
First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Minister for the Cabinet Office Louise Haigh (Sheffield Heeley) One of Burnham's closest allies
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Second Lord of the Treasury John Healey (Rawmarsh & Conisbrough) Surprise return — quit as defence secretary <2 months earlier
Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Ed Miliband (Doncaster North) Moved from Energy & Net Zero
Secretary of State for the Home Department Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham Ladywood) Retained (held since Sep 2025)
Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting (Ilford North) Resigned as health secretary in May, backed Burnham for leader
Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Justice Alex Norris (Nottingham North & Kimberley) Promoted from Home Office minister
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Yvette Cooper (Pontefract, Castleford & Knottingley) Moved from Foreign Secretary
Secretary of State for Education Lucy Powell (Manchester Central) Also Deputy Leader of the Labour Party
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner (Ashton-under-Lyne) Returns after stamp-duty affair; former deputy PM
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Miatta Fahnbulleh (Peckham) Former NEF director; resigned as junior minister May 2026
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden (Wolverhampton South East) Retained (held since Sep 2025)
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, President of the Board of Trade Jonathan Reynolds (Stalybridge & Hyde) Role expanded to absorb science & innovation
Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander (Swindon South) Retained (held since Nov 2024)
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Angela Eagle (Wallasey) Promoted to cabinet
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy (Wigan) Retained (held since Jul 2024)
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Bryant (Rhondda & Ogmore) First cabinet post; moved from Business department
Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander (Lothian East) Retained (held since Sep 2025)
Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Kinnock (Aberafan Maesteg) Previously care minister
Leader of the House of Commons, Lord President of the Council Alan Campbell (Tynemouth) Retained (held since Sep 2025)
Leader of the House of Lords, Lord Privy Seal Baroness Smith of Basildon Retained (held since Jul 2024)
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip) Anneliese Midgley (Knowsley) Key figure in Burnham's leadership campaign
Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson (Houghton & Sunderland South) Retained; no longer education secretary

Also Attending Cabinet

Role Appointee Notes
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds (Wycombe) Previously environment secretary
Attorney General for England and Wales, Advocate General for Northern Ireland Ellie Reeves (Lewisham West & East Dulwich) Sister of Rachel Reeves
Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence (jointly Cabinet Office and DBIST) Kanishka Narayan (Vale of Glamorgan) Previously online safety minister
Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations and European Relations (jointly FCDO and Cabinet Office) Hamish Falconer (Lincoln) Son of Lord Falconer
Minister of State for Housing and Planning Matthew Pennycook (Greenwich & Woolwich) Retained, now attends cabinet

Departures — Who's Out

Former Role Departing Minister
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves
Deputy Prime Minister & Justice Secretary David Lammy
Housing Secretary Steve Reed
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Minister for Intergovernmental Relations Darren Jones
Business & Trade Secretary Peter Kyle
Science, Innovation & Technology Secretary Liz Kendall (department abolished)
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn
Wales Secretary Jo Stevens
Attorney General Lord (Richard) Hermer
Paymaster General & Minister for the Constitution Nick Thomas-Symonds
International Development Minister (attending cabinet) Jenny Chapman
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis (only weeks in post)
Energy Security & Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband (moved to Foreign Sec)
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper (moved to Health)

Official Statements

Andy Burnham (Prime Minister, first address outside No 10, 20 Jul 2026):

"Make this moment a circuit breaker for Britain" — pledging "the biggest changes in the last 40 years, a new political model and a new economic model."

Shabana Mahmood (Home Secretary, on asylum reforms):

Described the previous system as "out of control" after announcing sweeping changes to the UK's asylum system.

Sources

Generated via local-search skill (SearXNG) using the news-roundup template.

Live Updates (auto-watched)

20 Jul 2026 22:16 BST

  • BBC: Prime Minister Andy Burnham begins building his new cabinet, with an interactive guide to be updated as appointments are confirmed. No further detail available yet.
  • Standard.co.uk: CABINET CHANGE: John Healey replaces Rachel Reeves as Chancellor. No further detail available yet.
  • The Guardian: CABINET CHANGE: Angela Rayner returns as Housing Secretary, while Shabana Mahmood and Pat McFadden retain their posts. No further detail available yet.
  • Independent: CABINET CHANGE: John Healey appointed Chancellor and Ed Miliband named Foreign Secretary. Rachel Reeves and David Lammy among departures.
  • The Mirror: CABINET CHANGE: Angela Rayner appointed Housing Secretary, John Healey as Chancellor, and Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary. Rachel Reeves and David Lammy depart.
  • South Wales Argus: CABINET CHANGE: Nick Thomas-Symonds and Jo Stevens sacked from their roles. No further detail available yet.
  • Manchester Evening News: CABINET CHANGE: Lisa Nandy retains role, Angela Rayner returns as Housing Secretary, John Healey named Chancellor, and Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary. Yvette Cooper moves to Health Secretary.

20 Jul 2026 23:05 BST

  • bbc.com: Prime Minister Andy Burnham has started building his new cabinet after taking office following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer.
  • bbc.com: An unnamed Sheffield MP has returned to the cabinet as a key political ally, marking a cabinet appointment change.
  • standard.co.uk: John Healey replaces Rachel Reeves as Chancellor in Andy Burnham's new Cabinet (cabinet departure of Reeves and appointment of Healey).
  • standard.co.uk: Angela Rayner makes a big comeback to the Cabinet, indicating a cabinet appointment change.
  • en.wikipedia.org: Andy Burnham has served as Prime Minister and Labour Leader since July 2026, with no new cabinet appointment details provided in this entry.
  • leighjournal.co.uk: Andy Burnham was appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury in Gordon Brown's first Cabinet, per the article text (not a change in Burnham's current cabinet).
  • nytimes.com: Andy Burnham's first hours and days in office will include making cabinet appointments, among other tasks (cabinet appointment changes anticipated).
  • theguardian.com: Angela Rayner returns as housing secretary while Shabana Mahmood and Pat McFadden remain in their existing posts, indicating a cabinet appointment change for Rayner.
  • gazettehaiti.com: Keir Starmer resigned as PM and Labour leader with Andy Burnham succeeding him, but the text provides no specific new cabinet appointments.
  • southwalesargus.co.uk: Nick Thomas-Symonds has left the Government after Burnham's cabinet announcement (cabinet departure).
  • southwalesargus.co.uk: Jo Stevens has been told to stand down as Welsh Secretary (cabinet departure).
  • gbnews.com: A breaking alert states Wes Streeting has been handed a shock role in Andy Burnham's Government (cabinet appointment change indicated).
  • gbnews.com: Nearly 80 Labour MPs have written to Burnham urging dilution of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's migration reforms, with no sacking demanded.

20 Jul 2026 23:10 BST

  • en.wikipedia.org: Andy Burnham became Prime Minister and Labour Leader in July 2026 and was elected MP for Makerfield in June 2026, with no new cabinet changes specified in this item.
  • bbc.com: Andy Burnham has started building his new cabinet after Keir Starmer's resignation, with a Sheffield MP returning to cabinet, flagging a cabinet appointment change.
  • en.wikipedia.org: The Burnham ministry began on 20 July 2026 with major cabinet departures including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, Housing Secretary Steve Reed, Attorney General Baron Hermer, and Darren Jones, explicitly flagging these departures.
  • whocanivotefor.co.uk: Andy Burnham was elected as MP for Makerfield in a by-election with 24,927 votes, with no cabinet change mentioned.
  • nytimes.com: Andy Burnham's first hours in Downing Street involved cabinet appointments among other tasks; no further detail available yet.
  • southwalesargus.co.uk: Andy Burnham sacked Nick Thomas-Symonds (Paymaster General and other roles) and Jo Stevens (Welsh Secretary) from cabinet, explicitly flagging these departures.
  • gbnews.com: Nearly 80 Labour MPs urged Andy Burnham to water down Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's migration reforms but stopped short of demanding he sack her, with no actual cabinet change stated.

20 Jul 2026 23:12 BST

  • bbc.com: Prime Minister Andy Burnham has started building his new cabinet after taking office following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer.

  • bbc.com: The Sheffield MP has returned to the cabinet as one of Burnham's key political allies. (Cabinet appointment change: Sheffield MP returns to cabinet.)

  • nytimes.com: Andy Burnham's first hours and days in office will involve calls with foreign leaders, cabinet appointments, and writing "letters of last resort".

  • nytimes.com: No further detail available yet.

  • What is a cabinet reshuffle? All to know as Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister — https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/what-is-a-cabinet-reshuffle-all-to-know-as-andy-burnham-becomes-prime-minister/ar-AA28lBDo

  • What Andy Burnham’s new-look Cabinet says about UK's direction — https://www.politico.eu/article/andy-burnham-britain-new-look-cabinet-winners-losers/

  • Andy Burnham LIVE: New PM vows to lead ‘cost-of-living Government’ at first Cabinet meeting after purging Starmer allies — https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39810886/andy-burnham-live-prime-minister-latest-cabinet-bills/

  • Who’s who in Andy Burnham’s cabinet? — https://theweek.com/politics/whos-who-in-andy-burnhams-cabinet

  • Burnham pledges to show how policies will be paid for after ex-minister hits out at 'unfunded' tax cut — https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cgrkv8e8l9qt

  • Andy Burnham's new Cabinet in full with brutal reshuffle — https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/andy-burnhams-new-cabinet-full-34324188

  • Andy Burnham’s cabinet – who’s in and who’s out? — https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/andy-burnham-s-cabinet-who-s-in-and-who-s-out/ar-AA28jc4U

  • Andy Burnham live updates as new cabinet meets ahead of more appointments to top team — https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/live-andy-burnham-updates-ministers-34324545

  • Burnham's New Labour Cabinet Meets for First Time — https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/l0058mgg/andy-burnhams-first-full-day-as-prime-minister

  • Is there a deputy Prime Minister in Andy Burnham’s new Labour Cabinet? — https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39824567/is-there-a-deputy-prime-minister-andy-burnham-cabinet/

  • Cabinet reshuffle underway as Andy Burnham gets to work as Prime Minister - LIVE — https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/andy-burnham-prime-minister-live-34318021

  • Andy Burnham latest LIVE: New PM's Cabinet meets for first time after Labour attack on electricity bills tax cut — https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/andy-burnham-latest-electricity-bills-vat-cabinet-meeting-john-healey-labour-b1290718.html?page=12

  • Burnham Sacks Starmer Loyalists From Cabinet — https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/burnham-sacks-starmer-loyalists-cabinet

  • Reeves reacts as Burnham sacks first-ever female chancellor — https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/reeves-reacts-as-burnham-sacks-first-ever-female-chancellor/ar-AA28iACn

  • Andy Burnham's secret plan to sack 3 ministers leaked: 'It's a bloodbath!' — https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/andy-burnhams-secret-plan-to-sack-3-ministers-leaked-its-a-bloodbath/ar-AA27TQ24

  • Andy Burnham's Cabinet Shake-up Explained: What Happened to Rachel Reeves and Other Starmer Allies? — https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/andy-burnham-cabinet-reshuffle-key-changes-1809756

  • Andy Burnham says his will be a ‘cost-of-living government’ in first cabinet meeting as PM – UK politics live — https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/jul/21/andy-burnham-pm-labour-energy-bills-cost-of-living-cabinet-latest-news-updates

  • Andy Burnham's Cabinet appointments in full as they happen - everyone who is in and everyone who is out — https://uk.news.yahoo.com/andy-burnhams-cabinet-appointments-full-150511645.html

  • Burnham tells cabinet 'we need to be cost-of-living government': Live — https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/burnham-tells-cabinet-we-need-to-be-cost-of-living-government-live/ar-AA28gQL3

  • Who is out of the Cabinet? The ministers who lost their jobs in Andy Burnham’s reshuffle — https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39828483/who-sacked-from-andy-burnham-cabinet/

  • Andy Burnham promises 'cost-of-living Government' as first £45 tax cut confirmed — https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/andy-burnham-promises-cost-of-living-government-as-first-45-tax-cut-confirmed/ar-AA28nsh9

  • Andy Burnham live: New Prime Minister sets challenge to ministers during his first Cabinet meeting — https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/andy-burnham-vat-bills-cabinet-37456510

  • Burnham tells cabinet to tackle living costs at first meeting — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2vp4x7gkxo

  • Sackings, cabinet surprises and policies: Burnham's first 24 hours as PM — https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gjz907pppo

  • Starmer allies see ‘hint of retribution’ in Burnham reshuffle — https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/21/keir-starmer-allies-retribution-andy-burnham-reshuffle

  • Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar set to become a minister in Burnham's government — https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/scottish-labour-leader-anas-sarwar-set-to-become-a-minister-in-burnhams-government/ar-AA28oFaB

  • How Northern is Burnham's Cabinet? — https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/how-northern-is-andy-burnham-cabinet

  • New UK Prime Minister Burnham Announces Tax Cut After Cabinet Shakeup — https://www.channelstv.com/2026/07/21/new-uk-prime-minister-burnham-announces-tax-cut-after-cabinet-shakeup/

  • Andy Burnham's Cabinet - Who's in and who's out as Angela Rayner returns and Rachel Reeves loses job — https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/andy-burnham-cabinet-profiles-ministers-37454144

  • Andy Burnham shakes up Whitehall with new government department — https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/21/andy-burnham-shakes-up-whitehall-new-government-department

  • PM Andy Burnham in first Cabinet crisis as new Labour leader faces questions over how he will fund key pledges — https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39832113/andy-burnham-spending-pledges-labour-darren-jones/

  • Who's in Andy Burnham's Cabinet? John Healey named Chancellor as Angela Rayner makes big comeback — https://ca.news.yahoo.com/whos-andy-burnhams-cabinet-ed-104208841.html

  • Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar to join Burnham government as minister — https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/scottish-labour-leader-anas-sarwar-to-join-burnham-government-as-minister/ar-AA28ot1H

  • Andy Burnham first Cabinet meeting overshadowed as new PM faces questions over how he will fund key pledges — https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39832113/andy-burnham-spending-pledges-labour-darren-jones/

  • Burnham announces new ministers as Healey, Mahmood and Miliband take top cabinet roles - with deputy PM still unconfirmed | LBC — https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/andy-burnham-first-cabinet-john-healey-mah-5HjddrD_2/

  • Who's in Andy Burnham's new Labour cabinet? - BBC — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg4we9g58do

  • Andy Burnham latest LIVE: Makerfield MP to become Prime Minister and name cabinet as Keir Starmer leaves No 10 | The Standard — https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/andy-burnham-prime-minister-latest-keir-starmer-king-cabinet-downing-street-b1290583.html

  • The out-of-Cabinet ministers who lost their jobs in Andy Burnham's ... — https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39828483/who-sacked-from-andy-burnham-cabinet/

  • Andy Burnham’s top team in full – from key cabinet roles to junior ... — https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/andy-burnham-cabinet-reeves-sacked-150310193.html

  • Andy Burnham's Cabinet appointments in full as they happen — https://uk.news.yahoo.com/andy-burnhams-cabinet-appointments-full-150511645.html

  • Ex-minister slams Burnham's decision to 'unceremoniously sack competent ... — https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/ex-minister-slams-burnham-s-decision-to-unceremoniously-sack-competent-people-from-government/ar-AA28Qh6a

  • Andy Burnham's Cabinet Shake-Up Explained: What Happened to Rachel ... — https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/andy-burnham-cabinet-reshuffle-key-changes-1809756

  • Andy Burnham Cabinet in full: PM's new-look top team with Ed Miliband ... — https://www.gbnews.com/politics/andy-burnham-cabinet-in-full-ed-miliband

  • Who is likely to be in or out of a Burnham cabinet? — https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/23/in-or-out-burnham-cabinet-ed-miliband-shabana-mahmood-wes-streeting

  • Andy Burnham's new Cabinet: Angela Rayner given old job back — https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/07/20/andy-burnham-downing-street-keir-starmer-labour-cabinet/

  • Andy Burnham's Cabinet: Full list of who's in and who's out - Yahoo — https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/andy-burnham-cabinet-full-list-182039724.html

  • LIVE: Andy Burnham Forms New Cabinet as Prime Minister at Downing Street — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM0K6-JwuOo

  • FULL ARRIVAL: UK Ministers Arrive at Downing Street for Andy Burnham's ... — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntPpVs4HCao

  • "He Was In The Wrong HERE" | Burnham SACKS Immigration Minister Just ... — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_duVD6AN2Ho

  • Who's who in Andy Burnham's government? Full list of ministers, PPSs ... — https://labourlist.org/2026/07/full-list-of-burnham-government/

  • Andy Burnham Forms New Cabinet After Taking Office — https://parliamentnews.co.uk/downing-street-appointments-burnham-cabinet/

  • Live from Downing Street as Burnham hosts first cabinet meeting — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITwLBwa5f7Y

  • Politics news: Andy Burnham SACKS immigration minister days after ... — https://www.gbnews.com/politics/politics-news-andy-burnham-labour-kemi-badenoch

  • Who is in Andy Burnham's government – and who is out? — https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/who-is-in-andy-burnham-s-government-and-who-is-out/ar-AA28ij2f

  • Andy Burnham's first speech as Prime Minister: 20 July 2026 — https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/andy-burnhams-first-speech-as-prime-minister-20-july-2026

  • What Happens Behind the Scenes Once Burnham Enters 10 Downing Street — https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/20/world/europe/behind-the-scenes-downing-street.html

  • No.10 North ‘not a gimmick,’ Burnham tells first Cabinet — as it ... — https://www.politico.eu/article/andy-burnham-to-become-uk-prime-minister/

  • Who's in Andy Burnham's Government? Complete list of ministers chosen ... — https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/list-of-ministers-appointed-by-andy-burnham-labour-government-b1290806.html

  • Burnham's 'cost of living government' | Zelenskyy sacks head of armed forces | World News | Sky News — https://news.sky.com/story/burnhams-cost-of-living-government-zelenskyy-sacks-head-of-armed-forces-13565839

  • Andy Burnham’s cabinet reshuffle: The winners and losers — https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/andy-burnham-s-cabinet-reshuffle-the-winners-and-losers/ar-AA28kzQf

  • Andy Burnham Full List of Cabinet Ministers: New UK Prime Minister ... — https://sundayguardianlive.com/world/andy-burnham-full-list-of-cabinet-ministers-new-uk-prime-minister-unveils-ministers-in-major-government-reshuffle-check-portfolio-department-more-242545/

  • Who is who in Burnham's new cabinet - Gulf News — https://gulfnews.com/world/europe/who-is-who-in-burnhams-new-cabinet-1.500615465

  • Andy Burnham LIVE: New PM to hold first Cabinet meeting with new look ... — https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39810886/andy-burnham-live-prime-minister-latest-cabinet-bills/

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