# Andy Burnham reshapes government with sweeping cabinet reshuffle

By The Current Tribune · Politics · Published Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:25:48 GMT · Updated Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:25:48 GMT
Source: The Current Tribune — https://currenttribune.com/article/andy-burnham-cabinet-reshuffle-no10

Andy Burnham has entered 10 Downing Street and immediately moved to remake his senior team, in a rapid sequence of dismissals and surprise appointments that reshaped the early hours of his administration. The Andy Burnham cabinet now features high-profile exits and unexpected promotions as the new Prime Minister set out a pledge to win back voters “fed up with politics.”

## Andy Burnham cabinet: immediate changes at No 10

Mr Burnham’s first hours in Downing Street were defined by a string of personnel changes. Rachel Reeves and David Lammy were removed from the Cabinet, while John Healey — who resigned as Defence Secretary last month amid a row over armed forces funding — was named Chancellor of the Exchequer. The appointment of Healey, described in coverage as a surprise move, followed speculation that Ed Miliband or Shabana Mahmood might have been favoured for the Treasury role.

Ed Miliband was appointed Foreign Secretary in the same reshuffle. At the time of reporting it remained unclear what role, if any, former Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper would take in the new government. Other familiar faces were seen arriving at No 10 as Mr Burnham put his top team in place, including Angela Rayner, Pat McFadden, Lisa Nandy and Louise Haigh.

## Cabinet entries, exits and the human story

Several ministers who served under Sir Keir Starmer were removed or chose to depart. Hilary Benn left his position as Northern Ireland Secretary. Nick Thomas-Symonds, who had been the minister charged with the EU-UK reset, was sacked. Baroness Jenny Chapman confirmed she would be leaving government; she said cutting the aid budget had been “challenging” and had required “much soul searching,” adding she would be proud to have served in Sir Keir Starmer’s cabinet.

The flow of arrivals at Downing Street underlined the speed of the transition. Anneliese Midgley — who accompanied Mr Burnham to the despatch box when he was sworn in as an MP — was among those seen entering No 10, as were several other senior figures taking up roles in the new administration.

## International signals and early contacts

Within hours of entering office, Mr Burnham sought to reassure international partners about Britain’s foreign policy. A Downing Street spokeswoman said the Prime Minister spoke to Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reiterating the UK’s steadfast commitment to the people of Ukraine and indicating there would be no change in the country’s approach to bearing down on Russia.

The call also referenced Mr Burnham’s prior work with Ukrainian mayors through the UNBROKEN Cities Network, which provides rehabilitation support. Downing Street said Mr Burnham invited President Zelenskyy to the UK “at the earliest opportunity” and looked forward to discussing how the two nations could strengthen defence for Ukraine and Europe.

Mr Burnham also spoke to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. According to Downing Street, he thanked her for her congratulations, emphasised the importance of a closer UK-EU relationship and agreed that teams should work towards a UK-EU Summit later in the year. The Prime Minister underlined that the UK’s commitment to Ukraine would remain ironclad under his government.

## Reactions, criticism and political temperature

The reshuffle prompted quick commentary from political opponents. Reform’s Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick posted criticism of Rachel Reeves after her sacking, attacking her record and listing a series of economic complaints.

Meanwhile, some figures who lost posts offered reflective statements. Baroness Jenny Chapman described her departure as disappointing but said she was proud of her work on international development and insisted the UK remained a force for good internationally. Hilary Benn said he would support the Prime Minister from the backbenches.

## What the new government says it will do next

Speaking outside No 10, the Prime Minister vowed to take power out of Westminster and give the public greater control over what he called “life’s essentials.” Downing Street said Mr Burnham would lay out further plans later in the year. The early appointments and dismissals, and the rapid contacts with international leaders, set the tone for an administration keen to signal change both at home and abroad.

John Healey’s elevation to Chancellor — noted in official material and shared on the Prime Minister’s account — will be watched closely given his recent resignation as Defence Secretary. Observers pointed to the swift nature of the transition and the mixture of continuity and upheaval in the ministerial line-up.

## Final Verdict

The first day of the Andy Burnham cabinet has been a concentrated exercise in political reconfiguration: rapid sackings, unexpected promotions and immediate outreach to allies in Europe and Ukraine. Mr Burnham has signalled a desire to change the tone of Westminster and to prioritise both domestic control and steadfast foreign commitments. How those early decisions translate into policy and public approval will define the administration’s early months, but the initial hour-by-hour changes leave no doubt that the new Prime Minister intends to move quickly.