UK PM Burnham reshuffles cabinet, purges allies of predecessor Keir Starmer

Published Jul 21, 02:14 PM UTC

Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, has conducted a sweeping cabinet reshuffle, purging ministers loyal to his predecessor Keir Starmer. Key appointments include John Healey as Chancellor, a surprise pick seen as a safe pair of hands; Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, signaling a break from Starmer's international approach; and Yvette Cooper moving to Health. Burnham loyalists dominate the cabinet, with Louise Haigh as Cabinet Office minister and Anneliese Midgley as Chief Whip. The reshuffle reflects Burnham's 'much stronger theory of power' and priorities including re-industrialisation, devolution, and cost of living. Analysts suggest economic policy may emanate from No. 10 rather than the Treasury, and the new PM has vowed to end rough sleeping, raise tax allowances, cut VAT on electricity, and reform social care.