Andy Burnham has unveiled his new cabinet following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.
John Healey made Chancellor in bombshell appointment (Image: Getty)
Andy Burnham has made John Healey his Chancellor in a bombshell appointment on Monday. The new Prime Minister sacked Rachel Reeves and gave the former Defence Secretary the top Treasury role.
Mr Healey, who dramatically quit Sir Keir Starmer’s Government last month over a lack of funding for the armed forces, said it is the “greatest privilege” to take on the new position. In a statement posted on X, he added: “Together, we will build a new economy, build new hope and advance the working people of this country. Time to get on with the job.”
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Mr Burnham sacked many of his predecessor’s closest allies as part of a major Cabinet clean-out hours after becoming Prime Minister.
Former Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was appointed Foreign Secretary while Shabana Mahmood remained in her post as Home Secretary.
Both had been touted as top contenders to become Chancellor.
Ms Mahmood said the post of Home Secretary is “the best job in the business”.
In a post on X, Ms Mahmood said she would continue with immigration reform.
She said: “It is an honour to remain as Home Secretary in Andy Burnham’s cabinet.
“I may be biased, but it’s the best job in the business.
“We have begun the work of major reform, to make our streets safer and our immigration system fair for all. Now let’s finish the job.”
Louise Haigh, who resigned as Transport Secretary after it emerged she pleaded guilty to a fraud offence a decade ago, will be Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
She was also handed the rare role of first secretary of state, an appointment held in previous governments by George Osborne, William Hague and disgraced peer Lord Peter Mandelson.
A purge of Starmer loyalists saw Ms Reeves, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer and Housing Secretary Steve Reed fired by Mr Burnham in the bloodbath.
Liz Kendall was also sacked as Technology Secretary, alongside Business Secretary Peter Kyle, Chief Secretary Darren Jones, Wales Secretary Jo Stevens and Hilary Benn as Northern Ireland Secretary.
Mr Reed used his resignation letter to tell Mr Burnham that he hoped “those who did not show loyalty to Keir will now show it to you”.
Ms Reeves wished her successor in No 11 “the very best of luck” in a post on social media.
In a post on X, she wrote: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve as the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
“The economy today is stronger, fairer and more resilient because of the choices we have taken as a Labour Government over the past two years.
“Stability restored, investment delivered and reform to our economy under way.”
Ms Reeves, who was reportedly offered a “big job” by Mr Burnham but declined, continued: “I said when I was appointed Chancellor that I would judge my time in office if the lives ordinary working class people have been improved. I’m proud to say that they have.
“And to every young woman and girl, let my time in office show there should be no ceilings on your ambitions, your hopes or your dreams.
“I wish the very best of luck to my successor, Andy and his Cabinet.
“You have my full support and I will continue to play my part in helping this Labour Government deliver the change the country needs.”
Lord Hermer said it has been “the privilege of my life” to serve in the post for the last two years, adding he was especially proud of the Hillsborough Law and rebuilding the UK’s reputation abroad.
Ousted Justice Secretary Mr Lammy said he would continue to support the Government “from the backbenches”, and wished Mr Burnham “every success”.
Prisons minister Lord James Timpson, who oversaw the early release of prisoners, was the first to announce he had resigned, and was shortly followed by science minister Lord Patrick Vallance.
