Angela Rayner has returned to government as housing secretary after resigning over her tax affairs last year.
Wes Streeting will also return as defence secretary as part of Andy Burnham’s cabinet reshuffle, with Ed Miliband securing a place in his top team as foreign secretary and Shabana Mahmood remaining as home secretary.
It comes hours after John Healey was announced as chancellor in a surprise move for the prime minister.
Louise Haigh, who managed Mr Burnham’s Makerfield campaign, has been rewarded for her loyalty with a job at the heart of government as first secretary of state and chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Meanwhile, chancellor Rachel Reeves, deputy prime minister David Lammy and housing secretary Steve Reed, all allies of Sir Keir Starmer, were sacked by the former mayor of Greater Manchester and have returned to the backbenches.
The new prime minister earlier delivered his first speech at Downing Street, in which he said he would bring “life’s essentials back under stronger public control” to make them more affordable for the public and pledged to end rough sleeping.
Concluding the address, he said: “I will give this my all, and I ask you all to pull with me. Let’s build a new national sense of unity, of common purpose and positivity.”
Key Points
- Angela Rayner returns to government
- Wes Streeting to be defence secretary
- Andy Burnham’s cabinet – who’s in and who’s out as Reeves sacked as chancellor
- John Healey appointed as chancellor
- Ed Miliband to be foreign secretary
Watch: Political Correspondent Millie Cooke reports from Downing Street after Burnham delivers first speech
05:00 , Bryony Gooch
Who are the key winners and losers of Andy Burnham’s reshuffle so far?
04:35 , Bryony Gooch
Andrew Burnham - who took over as prime minister promising a “circuit breaker” for British politics - has started in post with a bang. The new PM conducted a brutal purge of Starmer loyalists, sacking more than nine ministers who had close ties with his predecessor. David Lammy, Darren Jones, Rachel Reeves and Peter Kyle all left the government, while others - including John Healey - had shock promotions.
Here, The Independent looks at the key winners and losers of today’s brutal reshuffle so far.
Who are the key winners and losers of Andy Burnham’s reshuffle so far?
Watch: John Healey appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer by Andy Burnham
03:15 , Bryony Gooch
What Burnham’s main policy pledges mean for you
02:20 , Bryony Gooch
Andy Burnham has made his inaugural speech as prime minister, giving the nation more detail on his plans and vision for his time in office.
The former Greater Manchester mayor ran uncontested for the position after securing the backing of 349 Labour MPs, making it impossible for anyone to stand against him.
He became Labour leader on Friday, and met with King Charles today to form a government after Sir Keir Starmer formally resigned.
Read more here:
Andy Burnham’s main policy pledges – and what they mean for you
The full list of Cabinet positions:
01:10 , Bryony Gooch
- Rt Hon John Healey MP as chancellor of the exchequer
- Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP as foreign secretary
- Rt Hon Louise Haigh MP as first secretary of State, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and minister for the cabinet office
- Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP home secretary
- Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP as health and social care secretart
- Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP will work and pensions secretarty
- Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP will return as secretary for communities, housing and local government (MHCLG)
- Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP as secretary of state for business, inovation, science and trade
- Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP as education secretary
- Anneliese Midgley MP as chief whip
- Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP will remain minister for women and equalities
- Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP will remain secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport (DCMS)
- Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP as defence secretary
- Alex Norris MP as lord chancellor and secretary of state for justice
- Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP as secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs
- Miatta Fahnbulleh MP as secretary of state for energy security and net zero
- Stephen Kinnock MP as secretary of state for Wales.
- Sir Chris Bryant MP as secretary of state for Northern Ireland.
- Rt Hon Ellie Reeves KC MP as attorney general
- Rt Hon Emma Reynolds MP as chief secretary to the treasury
- Kanishka Narayan MP as minister of state (minister for Artificial Intelligence) jointly in the cabinet office and DCMS.
- Hamish Falconer MP as minister for intergovernmental relations and European relations
- Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP will remain as transport secretary
- Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP will remain as secretary of state for Scotland.
- Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP will remain as lord president of the Council and leader of the House of Commons.
- Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Basildon will remain as lord privy seal and leader of the House of Lords.
- Matthew Pennycook MP will remain as minister of state in the MHCLG.
Watch: David Maddox on Andy Burnham's new cabinet
00:30 , Bryony Gooch
Jobs announced for Alan Campbell, Matthew Pennycook and more
23:33 , Bryony Gooch
Emma Reynolds has been appointed as chief secretary to the Treasury, while Baroness Smith will remain as lord privy seal and leader of the house of lords.
Alan Campbell will meanwhile remain as Lord president of the council and leader of the house of commons.
Matthew Pennycook will remain as minister of state in the ministry of housing, local communities and government. He will attend cabinet.
Trump breaks silence on 'interesting' conversation with Andy Burnham
23:30 , Bryony Gooch
Donald Trump has spoken out following a phone call with new prime minister Andy Burnham.
The US president said on Truth Social: “I had a very good conversation with the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham.
:We discussed many subjects, including the outstanding relationship we have had with the UK. We will be meeting in the not too distant future for topics of mutual interest.
“The Prime Minister has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the U.S.A. will be there to help!
“We discussed North Sea Oil, Trade, the Military Alliance, Demining of the Hormuz Strait, and many other topics. The call was interesting, and went very well. I wished Prime Minister Burnham, GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
Heidi Alexander to continue leading the department for transport
23:15 , Bryony Gooch
Heidi Alexander will remain as transport secretary.
Heidi Alexander has been reappointed as Secretary of State for Transport @transportgovuk. pic.twitter.com/ltzSBhUO4X
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 20, 2026
AI minister officially announced
23:15 , Bryony Gooch
Kanishka Narayan, formerly online safety minister, will be minister for AI as part of the department of culture, minister and sport.
Roles announced for Chris Bryant, Ellie Reeves, Stephen Kinnock and more
23:14 , Bryony Gooch
Chris Bryant will be the secretary of state for Northern Ireland, while Stephen Kinnock will take the role on for Wales.
Ellie Reeves, formerly solicitor general, will be the attorney general, taking over from Lord Hermer.
Hamish Falconer will be minister for intergovernmental relations and European relations.
Douglas Alexander will remain secretary for Scotland.
Chris Bryant has been appointed as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland @niogov. pic.twitter.com/cen919O9BR
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 20, 2026
Angela Eagle and Miatta Fahnbulleh given top roles in cabinet
22:57 , Bryony Gooch
Angela Eagle will be secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs.
Miatta Fahnbulleh has been appoitned secretary of state for energy security and net zero, taking over from Ed Miliband.
Angela Eagle has been appointed as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs @defragovuk. pic.twitter.com/CHbpQMWQa8
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 20, 2026
Alex Norris to be justice secretary
22:55 , Bryony Gooch
Alex Norris has been appointed as lord chancellor and secretary of state for justice.
He replaces David Lammy in the role.
Alex Norris has been appointed as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice @mojgovuk. pic.twitter.com/5VsCDPYq97
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 20, 2026
BREAKING: Wes Streeting to be defence secretary
22:54 , Bryony Gooch
Wes Streeting will be defence secretary, it’s just come in.
Downing Street announced the former health secretary will take the top job at the Ministry of Defence.
Wes Streeting has been appointed as Secretary of State for Defence @defencehq. pic.twitter.com/ROUXNhmimw
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 20, 2026
Burnham hunt of change of approach in call to EU
22:38 , Bryony Gooch
David Maddox, political editor, reports:
Andy Burnham appears to be ready to been bolder in unpicking Brexit than his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer.
After dispensing with the services of Brexit negotiation minister Nick Thomas-Symomds, the new prime minister had a call with António Costa, President of the European Council.
With new pro EU foreign secretary Ed Miliband in place the conversation hinted at closer ties than had been envisioned with Sir Keir's reset. Crucially they discussed a summit but not to sign Sir Keir's previous deal.
Labour under sir Keir limited itself with red lines on not rejoining the EU, customs union or single market.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The prime minister began by underlining the importance of creating a stronger Europe through a closer UK-EU relationship.
"That included working together on shared challenges such as defence and security and driving growth across the UK and Europe.
"They both agreed their respective teams would work closely towards a UK-EU summit later in the year.
"They looked forward to speaking again soon."
Stephen Kinnock and Douglas Alexander enter No 10
22:21 , Bryony Gooch
Health minister Stephen Kinnock, the son of former Labour leader Neil Kinnock, has entered Downing Street.
Scotland secretary Douglas Alexander has also walked into No 10.
Nandy to remain culture secretary
22:13 , Bryony Gooch
Lisa Nandy will remain secretary of state as culture as part of Andy Burnham’s government.
Lisa Nandy has been appointed as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport @dcms. pic.twitter.com/NeWPUFiALc
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 20, 2026
Kanishka Narayan and Hamish Falconer enter 10 Downing Street
21:46 , Bryony Gooch
Online safety minister Kanishka Narayan has entered 10 Downing Street.
He was followed by foreign office minister Hamish Falconer.
Deputy Labour leader 'very' happy with role as education secretary
21:44 , Bryony Gooch
Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell said she was “very” happy with her new job as education secretary, as she left No 10 on Monday evening after meeting with the prime minister.
Fiscal credibility is the bedrock of national security, Healey says
21:37 , Alex Croft
Political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Fiscal credibility is the "bedrock for economic stability and for national security", John Healey has said, amid questions over how he will fund the increase in defence spending he has called for previously.
Mr Healey, who resigned from Sir Keir Starmer's government amid a row over defence spending, previously issued stark criticism of the Treasury saying it was standing in the way of ramping up funding for Britain's military.
Speaking to Sky News on Monday, he said: "Fiscal control is the first duty of any chancellor. It is mine. And fiscal credibility is the bedrock for economic stability and for national security.
"And you heard the prime minister this afternoon say in this more dangerous world, we will meet our commitments on defence to our international allies."
Chris Bryant, Angela Smith and Ellie Reeves arrive at Downing Street
21:36 , Bryony Gooch
Baroness Angela Smith, leader of the House of Lords, has arrived in Downing Street.
Sir Chris Bryant, a trade minister in the previous government, has also gone into No 10.
Ellie Reeves, who was solicitor general for England and Wales in Sir Keir Starmer’s government, has also gone inside. She is the sister of former chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Rayner, Powell and Phillipson roles all announced
21:32 , Bryony Gooch
The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:
Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP as Secretary of State for housing, communities and local government
Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP as secretary of state for business, innovation, science and trade
Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP as secretary of state for education
Anneliese Midgley MP as parliamentary secretary to the treasury (Chief Whip). She will be a member of cabinet.
Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP will remain a full member of cabinet as minister for women and equalities, reporting to the prime minister.
Rayner returns to government
21:30 , Bryony Gooch
Millie Cooke reports:
Angela Rayner has returned to government as housing secretary after being sacked over her tax affairs last year.
In the role, she is expected to oversee Andy Burnham’s plan for devolution and his council housebuilding mission - both of which have been billed as core missions of his government.
Possible change in direction on Brexit as minister leaves government
21:23 , Alex Croft
Political editor David Maddox writes:
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the European affairs minister who negotiated the Brexit reset for Keir Starmer, has left the government after Andy Burnham told him he did not want him to continue.
While Mr Thomas-Symonds is one of a number of Keir Starmer loyalists shown the door he was the man behind reshaping the UK’s relationship with the EU.
But with an increasing number of people wanting to reverse the decision to leave the EU from 10 years ago, the Brexit reset had looked timid.
Now Mr Thomas-Symonds is out of the door before the reset is signed and sealed there is space for Mr Burnham to be more ambitious and possibly reconsider Sir Keir’s red lines of not rejoining the EU, single market or customs union.
We know Mr Burnham wants to rejoin the EU from an interview he gave last September but went quiet on that when he ran in the pro-Leave seat of Makerfield with the by-election. This could be a case of waiting and seeing if change really is coming.
Labour MPs continue to arrive at No10
21:17 , Holly Evans
Wes Streeting is not the only Labour MP to arrive at this late hour to No10.
Burnham ally and former housing minister Miatta Fahnbulleh and home office ministers Angela Eagle and Alex Norris have also walked down Downing Street and are currently with the prime minister.
Sir Keir Starmer’s transport secretary Heidi Alexander has also arrived shortly after 9pm.
Burnham-Trump call shows 'importance of partnership from day one'
21:11 , Holly Evans
The new prime minister speaking to Donald Trump within an hour of taking office highlights the importance of the transatlantic partnership “from day one”, according to the British embassy in Washington.
The diplomatic mission’s post on X also said the two leaders had “agreed to remain in close contact”.
It said: “Within an hour of taking office, prime minister Andy Burnham… spoke with President Donald Trump, underscoring the importance of the UK/US partnership from day one.
“The leaders discussed shared priorities and agreed to remain in close contact.”
Within an hour of taking office, Prime Minister Andy Burnham (@andyburnham) spoke with President Donald Trump, underscoring the importance of the UK/U.S. partnership from day one.
— British Embassy Washington (@UKinUSA) July 20, 2026
The leaders discussed shared priorities and agreed to remain in close contact. 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Read more ⬇️…
Watch: John Healey appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer by Andy Burnham
21:08 , Alex Croft
Wes Streeting enters No10
21:05 , Holly Evans
Wes Streeting has appeared in Downing Street and has just gone into Number 10.
Burnham has call with French president Emmanuel Macron
21:03 , Holly Evans
Andy Burnham has spoken to French President Emmanuel Macron.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister began by setting out how he is looking forward to building on the strong UK-France relationship to deliver for people on both sides of the Channel.
“Turning to Ukraine, the two leaders discussed the need to work together to continue supporting Ukraine as it resists Russia’s full-scale invasion, including through co-chairing the Coalition of the Willing.
“On the Middle East, the two leaders agreed the need to continue efforts towards deescalation and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“They also discussed continuing the UK and France’s close co-operation on energy and defence, and the prime minister paid tribute top president Macron for his efforts to bring the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK, which underlined the UK and France’s enduring friendship.
“The two leaders look forward to speaking again and the prime minister welcoming president Macron to the United Kingdom at the earliest opportunity.”
Healey signals firm commitment to fiscal rules
20:53 , Alex Croft
Millie Cooke, our political correspondent, brings more from Healey’s interview on Sky News:
John Healey has signalled his firm commitment to Rachel Reeves' fiscal rules as he attempts to reassure the markets about his plan for spending.
The new chancellor said: "The prime minister and I have talked about how we will work in lockstep to meet the fiscal rules with a buffer against uncertainty, and how we'll make life more affordable for working people right across the UK.
“And I join you, just having come off a call with the Governor of the Bank of England, and I've conveyed this also to him."
Analysis: Burnham’s shock pick for chancellor signals a true overhaul of government
20:15 , Bryony Gooch
The new prime minister has sought a compromise figure over the favourites from the right or left of the party, as political editor David Maddox explains.
Read more here:
Burnham’s shock pick for chancellor signals a true government overhaul
Analysis: Cooper and McFadden roles in line with Burnham's social care and employment vision
19:57 , Bryony Gooch
David Maddox, The Independent’s political editor, says:
Yvette Cooper is one of the most experienced cabinet members, which is why the prime minister has asked her to be responsible for continuing to make progress on NHS waiting lists and driving social care reform - one of the prime minister’s key domestic priorities.
The prime minister made clear on the steps of Downing Street his mission to support young people and he has been impressed with Pat McFadden’s plans to channel young people into work, apprenticeships and education.
The prime minister has discussed with Mr McFadden about the need to reform welfare and to give struggling young people the opportunities they need to get on and into work.
BREAKING: Cooper to be health secretary
19:55 , Bryony Gooch
Yvette Cooper, formerly foreign secretary, will now fill the role of health secretary.
She was spotted leaving 10 Downing Street a short while ago.
Yvette Cooper has been appointed as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care @dhscgovuk. pic.twitter.com/XLEnz0918P
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 20, 2026
Pat McFadden to remain in in the DWP
19:54 , Bryony Gooch
Pat McFadden will remain secretary of state for work and pensions.
Pat McFadden has been reappointed as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions @dwpgovuk. pic.twitter.com/3BU7dGI96F
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 20, 2026
Pictured: McFadden and Cooper leave Downing St
19:46 , Bryony Gooch
Lucy Powell arrives at 10 Downing Street
19:27 , Bryony Gooch
Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell has gone into 10 Downing Street as Andy Burnham makes appointments to his cabinet.
Bridget Phillipson goes into 10 Downing St
19:26 , Bryony Gooch
Bridget Phillipson has been spotted going into 10 Downing Street. She is currently education secretary.
Burnham ally Anneliese Midgley arrives at No 10
19:22 , Bryony Gooch
Anneliese Midgley, the Labour MP for Knowsley who accompanied Andy Burnham to the despatch box when he was sworn in as an MP, has arrived at No 10.
Jonathan Reynolds arrives at No 10
19:18 , Bryony Gooch
Jonathan Reynolds, who many have tipped as the future business secretary, has arrived at Downing Street.
Mahmood celebrates staying in 'best job in the business'
19:15 , Bryony Gooch
Shabana Mahmood said the post of home secretary is “the best job in the business”, after Andy Burnham kept her in the role.
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.”
It is an honour to remain as Home Secretary in @andyburnham’s Cabinet.
— Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) July 20, 2026
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. pic.twitter.com/g42dN789Bk
How Ed Miliband has made his way into Andy Burnham's cabinet
19:13 , Albert Toth
Energy secretary since 2024, Ed Miliband has been involved in politics since the early 90s, resigning from an advisory role in the treasury in 2005 to stand as MP in Doncaster North.
He has represented the area since, holding ministerial positions in both the Blair and Brown governments before becoming Labour leader himself – then in opposition – in 2010.
The former Manchester mayor then served first as Mr Miliband’s shadow education secretary, and later as shadow health secretary.
Now, Mr Miliband will hold a key position as foreign secretary in Andy Burnham’s government.
Mr Miliband resigned as Labour leader following the party’s defeat by the Conservative Party at the 2015 general election. He was succeeded by Jeremy Corbyn, who beat Mr Burnham – making his second leadership bid – with 59.5 per cent of the vote share to his 19.
During Mr Corbyn’s tenure, lasting from 2015 to 2020, Mr Miliband was a backbench MP while Mr Burnham served as Mr Corbyn’s shadow home secretary.
Elected with an increased majority at the 2024 general election, Mr Miliband was appointed energy secretary by Sir Keir Starmer, a position he continues to hold.
During this time, he has focused on a moved towards green initiatives and energy independence, especially in light of price shocks like those caused by the wars in Ukraine and Iran.
Experts have pointed out that the idea is markedly similar to the political vision of ‘Manchesterism’ touted by Mr Burnham in the months before his ascendancy to Number 10. In a nutshell: greater public control of public services, with more power devolved to local leaders.
It is perhaps for this reason, alongside the pair’s long political relationship and shared position on Labour’s ‘soft left’ that the new prime minister has picked Mr Miliband as his chancellor.
Analysis: Burnham’s appointments of Miliband, Mahmood and Haigh show that he has a plan
19:08 , Bryony Gooch
David Maddox, The Independent’s political editor, says:
The Independent was the first to reveal that Louise Haigh would get a beefed up role as chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster running the Cabinet Office which is the engine of government but also with a policy development brief.
Added to that The Independent revealed over the weekend that Ed Miliband’s appointment as foreign secretary is linked to serious reform of the Foreign Office including a roadmap back for restoring international aid to 0.7 per cent of GDP.
Finally, The Independent also highlighted the reasons why Shabana Mahmood missed out on being chancellor because of her desire to cut tax and welfare.
Their appointments though reveal that Andy Burnham has a plan. He will ignore the cries of those on the left who want Labour to go soft on immigration so has given Ms Mahmood the green light to continue with her tough reforms.
But he is listening to the left on foreign policy and we can expect changes to Middle East policy and perhaps the approach to Brexit.
Finally, with Ms Haigh he wants an intelligent key lieutenant running the engine of his government and developing new policies which represent not just a break from Keir Starmer but 40 years of economic orthodoxy.
Ms Haigh is a serious figure on the soft left of the party who backs wealth taxes and higher spending.
The shape of the Burnham government is becoming clear.
BREAKING: Angela Rayner enters No 10
18:59 , Bryony Gooch
Angela Rayner, a long-time ally of Andy Burnham, has arrived as the new prime minister continues to make his appointments in cabinet.
Lisa Nandy enters No 10
18:57 , Bryony Gooch
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy has entered No 10 as prime minister Andy Burnham continues to make appointments to his cabinet.
Who is Louise Haigh? Burnham's right hand woman and first secretary of state
18:56 , Albert Toth
Former transport secretary Louise Haigh was manager of Andy Burnham’s campaign in Makerfield, and a key proponent in Westminster of his return to parliament.
She is now first secretary of state, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and minister for the cabinet office.
She resigned as a cabinet secretary in November 2024 after it emerged she had pleaded guilty to a fraud offence a decade ago, telling police she had her work mobile taken in a mugging, but later finding it had not been taken.
In the time since, Ms Haigh is understood to have become a “right-hand” to Mr Burnham, credited with elevating his campaign to return to parliament as leader.
Elected as the MP for Sheffield Heeley in 2015, she became the youngest MP in that intake and quickly established herself as a front bench talent.
Ms Haigh has held a number of shadow positions, from Northern Ireland secretary to transport secretary.
She would carry this title into government, leading the wholesale renationalisation of Britain’s rail network and the expansion of local bus networks. Her legislative push mirrored the transport model built by Andy Burnham as Manchester’s mayor with his pioneering Bee Network.
But despite hitting the ground running, her resignation would come just four months after Labour’s general election victory, in November 2024.
Since leaving government, Ms Haigh has made several political interventions calling for a different economic direction from the Starmer administration.
She was part of the relaunch of the Tribune Group of Labour MPs in autumn 2025, writing alongside several other members in January that while the government had made important progress, “we haven’t clarified who we stand for.”
Confirmed: Louise Haigh to be Burnham's right hand woman in cabinet
18:52 , Bryony Gooch
Louise Haigh, who managed Mr Burnham’s Makerfield campaign, will be first secretary of state, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and minister for the cabinet office.
Louise Haigh has been appointed as First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office @cabinetofficeuk. pic.twitter.com/o6kPe0zwRc
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 20, 2026
Shabana Mahmood to stay as home secretary
18:48 , Bryony Gooch
Millie Cooke, political correspondent, reports:
Shabana Mahmood will stay as home secretary, it has been announced.
Andy Burnham previously criticised Ms Mahmood's immigration reforms, but later confirmed he plans to stick by the measures, which are aimed at clamping down on the number of people coming to the UK.
Shabana Mahmood has been reappointed as Home Secretary @ukhomeoffice. pic.twitter.com/jUsEEIpvna
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 20, 2026
Who is John Healey? Labour's new chancellor of the exchequer
18:45 , Albert Toth
John Healey is taking the top job as Andy Burnham’s chancellor in his cabinet.
Member of Parliament for Wentworth since Labour’s landslide 1997 general election victory, Mr Healey and Mr Burnham share a long professional history dating back to their days as cabinet colleagues Gordon Gordon brown in the late 2000s.
He is thought to have been picked for his national security credibility and popularity amongst MPs on Labour’s right.
His most senior role as defence secretary lasted from July 2024 to June 2026, when he stood down over disagreements with the government’s defence spending plans.
He has previously held roles as shadow health secretary, shadow housing minister and shadow housing secretary.
Sir Keir Starmer would then appoint Mr Healey as shadow defence secretary after his successful leadership bid in 2020, a role he would take into government.
In the defence brief, the Yorkshire MP was tasked with shaping Labour’s national security images, especially in light of mounting pressure from Nato allies and the US. He pledged “ironclad” support to Ukraine in the role, meeting president Volodymyr Zelensky shortly after his appointment
Listing his achievements in his resigning letter to Sir Keir, Mr Healey noted an increase in defence investment to 2.5 per cent of GDP, the “deepest defence reforms in 50 years”, a strategic review and record Armed Forces pay rise.
His decision came at an incredibly bruising time for Sir Keir, who had already faced calls from several resigning ministers to go over Labour’s disastrous local election results – most notably former health minister Wes Streeting.
BREAKING: Ed Miliband to be foreign secretary
18:43 , Bryony Gooch
Ed Miliband has been announced as foreign secretary in the latest announcement of Andy Burnham’s cabinet.
The former energy secretary has been moved to the FCDO amid reports that Andy Burnham plans to ramp up drilling in the North Sea.
Ed Miliband has been appointed as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs @FCDOGovUK. pic.twitter.com/z5wMq19400
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 20, 2026
Healey appointed as chancellor
18:19 , Bryony Gooch
Millie Cooke, political correspondent, reports
John Healey has been appointed as Andy Burnham's chancellor, Downing Street has announced.
It is a shocking move from from the new prime minister, and follows weeks of speculation that either Shabana Mahmood or Ed Miliband could be chancellor.
Mr Healey, who resigned from Sir Keir Starmer's government in a row over defence spending, has wide support in the Labour Party after gaining respect as defence secretary - and his appointment shows Mr Burnham's commitment to bolstering Britain's defence.
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BREAKING: John Healey to be chancellor
18:15 , Bryony Gooch
John Healey, formerly defence minister, will be chancellor, Downing Street has announced.
John Healey has been appointed as Chancellor of the Exchequer @hmtreasury. pic.twitter.com/QPa3uK0tON
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 20, 2026
Zelensky welcomes Andy Burnham after first conversation with prime minister
17:49 , Bryony Gooch
Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Andy Burnham’s assurance that the UK’s support for Ukraine would remain strong.
After speaking with the prime minister, the Ukrainian president wrote on X: “I was happy to speak with Andy Burnham and congratulate him on taking office as prime minister of the United Kingdom.
“I truly appreciate that the support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast. Thank you for your warm words of respect for the Ukrainian people and for your condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in Russia’s recent attacks.
“Ukraine and the United Kingdom have built the strongest partnership in the history of relations between our two countries, and we will certainly continue working to expand it even further.
“We agreed to discuss our future cooperation, including our work within the Anti-Ballistic Coalition, during a meeting in the near future. Thank you, Andy. Thank you, Britain!”
I was happy to speak with Andy Burnham @andyburnham and congratulate him on taking office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I truly appreciate that the support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast. Thank you for your warm words of respect for the Ukrainian… pic.twitter.com/6sJ9ErbpPF
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 20, 2026
Foreign office minister Lady Chapman the latest to leave government
17:47 , Bryony Gooch
Foreign office minister Baroness Jenny Chapman of Darlington said she is leaving the government, as she said cutting the aid budget had been “challenging” and required “much soul searching”.
Lady Chapman, who held a brief that covered international development and Latin America, said she would “always” be proud to have served in Sir Keir Starmer’s government.
She said: “It’s been a great honour to serve as international development minister, and in Keir Starmer’s cabinet.
“I’m disappointed to be leaving but wish the prime minister and his new team every success.“Cutting the aid budget has been challenging and has required much soul searching, but I passionately believe thanks to the work we’ve done, we’re spending the money better than ever before.
“We have a modern strategy and approach, working in partnership with developing countries rather than in a paternalistic way, and keeping strong commitments on global health and humanitarian aid.”
She added: “The UK is once again a force for good internationally.”
Louise Haigh walks into Downing Street
17:42 , Bryony Gooch
Millie Cooke, political correspondent, reports:
Burnham ally Louise Haigh is walking into Downing Street, suggesting the former transport secretary is getting a senior job in the new government.
She joins John Healey, Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband, who are all inside No 10.
Details of new prime minister's first conversation with Donald Trump revealed
17:38 , Bryony Gooch
A Downing Street spokesperson has given details of Andy Burnham’s conversation with US president Donald Trump.
They said: "The prime minister spoke to the president of the United States, Donald Trump, shortly after taking office this afternoon.
"The prime minister began by congratulating the president on a successful World Cup and agreed that England had an excellent tournament.
"The prime minister also hoped that he would be able to show the president what Manchester had to offer during a visit in the future.
"Setting out his vision as prime minister of the United Kingdom, the prime minister said he would be focused on ensuring re-industrialisation up and down the country to ensure good growth in every postcode.
"The prime minister also underlined his commitment to defence and security and said ensuring the security of the UK and its allies was at the top of his agenda.
"The president then updated on the situation in the Middle East, and the prime minister outlined the UK's commitment to securing the movement of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to support global supply chains and drive down costs for businesses and families across the country.
"They looked forward to speaking again soon.”
Pictured: Miliband and Mahmood enter Number 10
17:35 , Bryony Gooch
