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Andy Burnham succeeds Starmer as UK PM, announces major policy shifts
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Andy Burnham has succeeded Sir Keir Starmer as Britain's prime minister, taking office with a promise of 'the biggest changes in the last 40 years'. His initial announcements include scrapping unpopular plans for a nationwide digital-ID scheme, a 20% cut to business property rates, and small measures to ease the cost of living. The detailed ten-year plan will not be ready until autumn. In a surprise move, John Healey, who resigned as defence secretary under Starmer due to insufficient military spending, was appointed chancellor of the exchequer. Leftist Ed Miliband becomes foreign secretary, and Angela Rayner returns as housing secretary after being forced to quit over unpaid housing tax.
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Edition: July 25th 2026 | 6 min read
Andy Burnham replaced Sir Keir Starmer as Britain's prime minister, entering office with a promise to deliver “the biggest changes in the last 40 years.”
His initial announcements included:
- Scrapping unpopular proposals for a nationwide digital-ID scheme
- A 20% cut to business property rates
- Small measures to ease the cost of living
The major details of his ten-year plan are not expected until the autumn.
In a surprise move, Mr. Burnham appointed John Healey as chancellor of the exchequer. Healey had previously resigned as defence secretary under Sir Keir due to insufficient spending on the armed forces.
Ed Miliband, a leftist, becomes foreign secretary. Angela Rayner, who was forced to quit as housing secretary under Sir Keir for unpaid housing tax, returns to her former role.
This article appeared in the “The world this week” section of the print edition under the headline “Politics.”
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UK PM Andy Burnham Sacks Starmer Loyalists in Major Cabinet Reshuffle