Burnham Reshapes UK Government With Healey, Miliband, Cooper in Key Cabinet Roles

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has unveiled the first Cabinet of his administration, appointing John Healey as Chancellor of the Exchequer, Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary and Yvette Cooper as Health Secretary in a sweeping reshuffle following his arrival in Downing Street.

The appointments came hours after Burnham was formally invited by King Charles III to form a government, replacing Keir Starmer, whose resignation triggered a Labour leadership contest.

Burnham described his new administration as a "circuit breaker" government that would deliver the biggest changes to Britain in four decades, with an immediate focus on easing the cost-of-living crisis and restoring confidence in public services.

Healey Takes Charge of the Treasury

Burnham's first Cabinet appointment saw former Defence Secretary John Healey become Chancellor, placing him in charge of the government's economic agenda.

Healey resigned from Starmer's Cabinet last month in protest over defence spending plans, arguing that the government's proposed investment fell short of Britain's security needs.

As Chancellor, he now faces the challenge of balancing fiscal discipline with Burnham's ambitious promises to boost economic growth, expand regional investment, strengthen defence and tackle the rising cost of living.

Miliband Heads to the Foreign Office

Former Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was appointed Foreign Secretary, one of the highest-profile changes in the new administration.

Burnham retained Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary, providing continuity in one of the government's most sensitive portfolios.

Yvette Cooper moved to the Department of Health and Social Care as Health Secretary, where she will oversee reforms to the National Health Service.

Angela Rayner returned to government as Housing Secretary after previously serving in the portfolio, while Pat McFadden remained Work and Pensions Secretary.

Louise Haigh was promoted to First Secretary of State, becoming one of Burnham's most senior ministers.

Further Cabinet Appointments

Downing Street later confirmed additional appointments completing Burnham's senior ministerial team.

Stephen Kinnock was named Secretary of State for Wales, while Sir Chris Bryant became Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Ellie Reeves was appointed Attorney General and Emma Reynolds became Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

Heidi Alexander retained her position as Transport Secretary, while Douglas Alexander remained Scotland Secretary.

Sir Alan Campbell continued as Leader of the House of Commons and Baroness Smith of Basildon remained Leader of the House of Lords.

Matthew Pennycook also stayed in government as a minister in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Several Senior Ministers Exit

The reshuffle also marked the departure of several senior figures from the previous administration.

Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves left government, while Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was removed from Cabinet.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle, Housing Secretary Steve Reed, Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall and Wales Secretary Jo Stevens also exited the government.

Lord Hermer departed as Attorney General, while Starmer ally Darren Jones was among ministers dropped from Burnham's new team.

Burnham Promises "Circuit Breaker" Government

Earlier in his first speech outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham pledged to reset British politics after years of instability.

He said his government would introduce a package of measures to tackle the cost of living, with announcements expected within days on reducing household energy bills and cutting bus fares.

Burnham also confirmed that his administration would publish a 10-year national development plan later this year, describing it as the blueprint for long-term economic renewal.

He said one of his first instructions as prime minister would be to intensify efforts to end rough sleeping, while promising reforms aimed at rebuilding trust in politics after Britain cycled through seven prime ministers in a decade.

The new prime minister also held an initial conversation with US President Donald Trump, with reports suggesting the two leaders are expected to meet during the G20 Summit scheduled to take place in Manchester in 2027.

Burnham's Cabinet appointments signal a blend of experienced ministers and trusted allies as Labour seeks to chart a new course following Starmer's departure, with the government expected to begin outlining its legislative agenda in the coming days.