Andy Burnham has wasted no time stamping his authority on British politics, using his first 24 hours as UK prime minister to launch a sweeping cabinet reshuffle, remove key allies of his predecessor and unveil a series of headline-grabbing policy pledges aimed at easing the cost-of-living crisis.
Within hours of taking office after an audience with King Charles III, Burnham dismissed several senior ministers closely associated with former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, including former Chancellor Rachel Reeves, former Foreign Secretary David Lammy and former Business Secretary Peter Kyle. The reshuffle signalled a decisive break from the previous administration and a shift in Labour’s direction.
One of the biggest surprises came with the appointment of former Defence Secretary John Healey as Chancellor, while Ed Miliband was named Foreign Secretary. Shabana Mahmood retained the Home Office, and Angela Rayner returned to Cabinet as Housing Secretary.
Burnham also unveiled his first policy measures, announcing plans to scrap VAT on domestic electricity bills from October to help households facing rising living costs. He pledged to end rough sleeping, accelerate council house construction and pursue a broader programme of industrial renewal and decentralisation.
Addressing the nation outside Downing Street, Burnham promised to give families “breathing space” and said his government would focus on rebuilding public trust while delivering practical economic relief.
Internationally, the new prime minister held early conversations with world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming Britain’s commitment to NATO and European security.
Burnham’s dramatic opening day has reshaped the political landscape, setting the tone for what is expected to be a fast-moving and closely watched premiership.