Prime Minister Andy Burnham has begun assembling his new administration following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer, who stepped down less than two years after securing power in July 2024. Burnham, who garnered the support of 379 out of 403 Labour MPs to succeed Starmer, has pledged to decentralize power from Whitehall, increase public oversight of energy and water sectors, and expand council housing. He has also committed to maintaining the manifesto promise against increasing VAT, income tax, or National Insurance.
Born in Aintree in 1970, Burnham entered Parliament in 2001 and previously served as the Greater Manchester mayor after unsuccessful leadership bids in 2010 and 2015. He returned to the Commons as the MP for Makerfield in June 2026.
Key cabinet appointments include John Healey returning as chancellor. Despite his recent resignation as defence secretary due to frustrations over military spending, Healey is a surprise selection for the Treasury role. Louise Haigh, a close ally of the Prime Minister, has been named chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and head of the new Number 10 North unit, tasked with regional reform and utility oversight. Ed Miliband has transitioned from his role in energy and net zero to become foreign secretary, while Shabana Mahmood continues her tenure as home secretary, overseeing immigration and policing.
