Who is who in UK PM Andy Burnham's new cabinet
Andy Burnham on Tuesday was to hold his first meeting with a dramatically reshaped cabinet of ministers, after removing some key figures and offering others new positions. He handed top jobs to several prominent politicians who helped pave his path to power...
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham was due to meet his newly reshaped cabinet on Tuesday after a sweeping round of appointments that elevated some of the politicians who helped bring him to power and removed several figures linked to the previous leadership.
The shake-up produced a familiar pattern in British politics: a mix of returnees, loyalists and newer faces, with key offices handed to ministers known for their roles in Labour’s recent internal battles and policy debates. According to the monitored public feed from Dawn Home, the changes included the removal of finance minister Rachel Reeves and the return of veteran politician John Healey to the Treasury.
Healey’s appointment stands out as one of the most notable moves. The 66-year-old Labour stalwart previously served as defence secretary before leaving the post last month in a funding dispute. He is now set to run the finance ministry after years in Parliament representing a constituency in northern England. The feed describes him as a trusted and experienced figure who has been outspoken on military investment and on maintaining a firm response to Russian aggression.
Another senior figure making a comeback is Ed Miliband, who has been appointed foreign secretary. Miliband once led Labour in opposition, stepping down after the party’s 2015 general election defeat. He later re-entered frontline politics under the previous government, serving as energy security minister and championing the transition to net zero. His new role returns him to one of the most prominent offices in the British cabinet.
Wes Streeting has been handed the defence brief after resigning as health minister in May, saying he had lost confidence in the former prime minister. Streeting, 43, had initially said he would challenge the leadership before backing Burnham. The appointment has already drawn criticism from opponents, including from former Conservative defence secretary Ben Wallace, who questioned the choice. Streeting has said the armed forces must have the resources they need.
Shabana Mahmood remains in the home affairs brief, where she has already pushed through changes to the asylum system. The 45-year-old former barrister has built a reputation for direct language and tough positions on migration. Born in Birmingham, she is among the UK’s first women Muslim MPs and has promised to “finish the job” on reform.
Angela Rayner also returns to government as housing secretary after resigning in September over unpaid property tax. She later paid the amount and was cleared of deliberate wrongdoing. Rayner, 46, is a prominent figure on Labour’s left and has long been seen as one of the party’s most recognisable voices from its trade union and working-class roots.
Miatta Fahnbulleh has moved into the energy security and net zero portfolio, taking over from Miliband. The 46-year-old has only been an MP since 2024 and previously worked in policy development and at think tanks. Born in Liberia, she came to the UK as a child and has a background in economics and public policy. She resigned as a junior minister in May, urging the previous leader to “do the right thing for the country.”
Yvette Cooper, meanwhile, has shifted from foreign affairs to health after less than a year in the top diplomatic post. The 57-year-old has held several senior jobs in Labour governments, including housing and work and pensions, and previously led the home office under Burnham’s predecessor.
The report is based on a monitored public feed, reflecting the cabinet lineup as described by Dawn Home. Source: Dawn Home - https://www
