Burnham Assumes Premiership, Forges New Cabinet Amidst Global Outreach
New Prime Minister engages world leaders, outlines ambitious domestic agenda for Britain's future.
Sarah Connor
Andy Burnham officially became Prime Minister today, immediately engaging with international counterparts and unveiling a new cabinet tasked with delivering significant domestic reforms.
Within an hour of arriving at No 10, Burnham spoke with US President Donald Trump, initiating immediate diplomatic engagement.
He also held calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, re-engaging on the global stage.
Beyond these international overtures, Burnham immediately announced a policy to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills, effective October 1.
This move provides early 'breathing space' for households facing economic strain.
Darren Jones, former chief secretary to the prime minister, criticized this first policy announcement.
He claimed the funding mechanism, which involved scrapping the Digital ID programme, was unfunded from the outset.
The new Prime Minister moved swiftly to form his cabinet, making key appointments that shift economic and social policy.
Sir John Healey assumed the role of Chancellor of the Exchequer, a choice that surprised many observers.
His appointment signals an increase in defence spending, according to some analyses.
Healey stated his priorities are 'growth' and 'national security,' focusing on economic stability and national defence.
Growth and national security.
Meanwhile, Ed Miliband took on the crucial role of Foreign Secretary, while Yvette Cooper assumed the health brief, overseeing social care system reform.
Angela Rayner became Housing Secretary, with a mandate to deliver on pledges to end rough sleeping and build record numbers of council houses.
Burnham stated that ending rough sleeping would be his first priority after entering No 10, addressing immediate social challenges.
Further consolidating power within the new leadership, Louise Haigh assumed the significant roles of First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Wes Streeting became the new Defence Secretary, and Heidi Alexander retained her position as Transport Secretary, ensuring continuity in key infrastructure areas.
Shabana Mahmood retained her position as Home Secretary, and Pat McFadden kept his job as Work and Pensions Secretary, maintaining experience in critical domestic portfolios.
Bridget Phillipson was reappointed as Minister for Women and Equalities, and Anneliese Midgley is the new chief whip.
Angela Eagle became Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, while Alex Norris is Justice Secretary.
Ellie Reeves will become attorney general, attending cabinet, and Stephen Kinnock will be the secretary of state for Wales.
Hamish Falconer became minister for intergovernmental relations and European relations, also attending cabinet.
Chris Bryant moved to Northern Ireland secretary.
Emma Reynolds took on the role of chief secretary to the Treasury, attending cabinet, and Alan Campbell is leader of the House of Commons and lord president of the council.
Baroness Smith serves as Lord Privy Seal and leader of the House of Lords, with Matthew Pennycook as minister of state in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Kanishka Narayan has been appointed AI minister and will attend cabinet, while Lucy Powell is the new Education Secretary.
Lisa Nandy will remain as Culture Secretary, and Miatta Fahnbulleh has been appointed Energy Secretary.
Douglas Alexander has been reappointed as Secretary of State for Scotland, completing the new cabinet appointments.
Burnham appointed a record number of women to his Cabinet, with 12 women and 11 men among the 23 full members, marking a significant shift in representation.
Rachel Reeves, Steve Reed, and Darren Jones have been removed from the Cabinet.
Allies of Rachel Reeves stated she was offered a 'big job' but declined it.
Jo Stevens and Liz Kendall have not been given jobs in the new cabinet, indicating further changes in the ministerial lineup.
The new cabinet will meet for the first time at lunchtime, with Burnham emphasizing the need for a 'one team' approach.
The Cabinet discussed policy and being a 'cost-of-living government,' focusing on immediate economic relief for citizens.
Burnham mentioned discussions with Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo about the relationship with the Civil Service, outlining the operational framework for his administration.
On the international front, Donald Trump wished Burnham 'good luck' and pledged that the US 'will be there to help.'
Volodymyr Zelensky stated, 'I truly appreciate that the support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast,' confirming a crucial international commitment.
I truly appreciate that the support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast.
Looking ahead, Burnham plans to set out a ten-year plan for Britain later this year, vowing to deliver 'a new political model and a new economic model' for the country.
He promised to bring forward 'the biggest changes in the last 40 years,' calling this moment 'a circuit breaker for Britain.'
Burnham stated his intention to bring forward significant changes, citing 'wrong turns' in the 1980s, and vowed to repair the damage caused to communities during the Thatcher era.
He also stated his government would 'do more to strengthen our approach,' including 'looking at further sanctions, both on those involved in the violence in Gaza, but also looking at measures to ban trade in goods with illegal settlements.'
Adding a layer of geopolitical tension to the new administration's early days, a Russian warship conducted a live-fire weapons exercise in the English Channel on Monday.