Andy Burnham carried out a major cabinet reshuffle just a few hours after taking office. The new British prime minister made significant changes in key ministries, removing several of the closest associates of his predecessor, Keir Starmer, while retaining certain experienced officials in key positions, seeking to combine renewal with administrative continuity, analysts note.

At the same time, as they point out, the new government reflects the priorities Bernam set out in his first speech outside Downing Street: Tackling the cost-of-living crisis, reindustrializing the country, devolving power, strengthening public services, and building more social housing. In this context, he pledged to present a ten-year plan for reforming the British economy and the state within the year.

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In the new Cabinet, John Healey takes over the Finance portfolio, replacing Rachel Reeves. Former Labour leader Ed Miliband moves to the Foreign Office, while Yvette Cooper takes over the Health Ministry. The Ministry of Defense goes to Wes Stretton, while Sabana Mahmood remains at the Ministry of the Interior, making her one of the few key ministers to retain her position.

The composition of the new Cabinet

Prime Minister: Andy Bernam

Minister of Finance: John Healey

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs: Ed Miliband

Minister of the Interior: Sabana Mahmood

Secretary of Health: Yvette Cooper

Secretary of Defense: Wes Stritting

First Secretary of State and Minister for the Cabinet Office: Louise Haig

Minister of Justice: Alex Norris

Secretary of State for Business and Trade: Jonathan Reynolds

Minister of Energy: Miata Fanbule

Minister of Housing: Angela Rayner

Secretary of Labor and Pensions: Pat McFadden

Secretary of Transportation: Heidi Alexander

Minister for Scotland: Douglas Alexander

Minister for Wales: Stephen Kinnock

Minister for Northern Ireland: Sir Chris Bryant

Attorney General: Ellie Reeves.

The cabinet reshuffle was accompanied by the departure of several prominent figures from the Starmer era, including Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, Peter Kyle, Steve Reed, Jo Stevens, and other ministers considered close associates of Starmer. The changes are seen as an effort by Burnham to form a government with a strong personal stamp and greater political cohesion around his own agenda.

Political analysts believe that the new Prime Minister’s choices are aimed at the immediate implementation of the agenda he presented upon taking office.  Whether the new team will manage to meet these high expectations will be the first major test for the Bernam government in the coming weeks, they point out meaningfully.

Source: CNA