Britain’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has moved quickly to assert his authority by reshuffling his cabinet, removing several allies of predecessor Keir Starmer and unveiling plans for a 10-year programme aimed at tackling the country’s cost-of-living crisis.
According to AFP, published by Channels Television, Burnham assumed office on Monday after formally being invited by King Charles III to form a government following Starmer’s departure.
The 56-year-old immediately began work by holding separate telephone conversations with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before announcing his new ministerial team.
Burnham pledged to rebuild Britain’s industrial base, decentralise power from Westminster and end rough sleeping, describing his administration as the beginning of “a new political model” focused on creating “a new economy”.
As part of the cabinet overhaul, former Defence Secretary John Healey was appointed finance minister, Ed Miliband became foreign secretary, Angela Rayner returned to government, while Wes Streeting was named defence minister. Shabana Mahmood retained her role as interior minister to continue reforms to Britain’s asylum system.
Burnham said his government would soon announce measures to ease the cost-of-living burden on households and promised greater public investment in housing and essential services.
He also reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to defence and security during his first call with Trump and pledged continued support for Ukraine in a separate discussion with Zelensky.
Burnham succeeds Keir Starmer after Labour lawmakers replaced him as party leader last month. Despite inheriting economic challenges, rising public debt and growing pressure from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, Burnham said his government would focus on restoring stability and delivering long-term economic renewal.
French President Emmanuel Macron was among the world leaders to congratulate Burnham, calling for renewed momentum in UK-European Union relations.