Andy Burnham has made an immediate impact as Prime Minister by implementing a significant Cabinet reshuffle, ousting several top ministers associated with his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, reports BritPanorama.
The overhaul includes the dismissal of key figures such as Rachel Reeves, who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer, marking a decisive shift in government strategy. Burnham’s new approach prioritizes regional growth, public investment, and addressing the pressing cost-of-living crisis.
Alongside Reeves, other prominent ministers removed from their roles include former Justice Secretary David Lammy, Business Secretary Peter Kyle, and Science, Innovation, and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall. This wave of personnel changes underscores Burnham’s intent to distance his administration from the previous leadership’s policies.
Which high-profile Starmer Cabinet members have been ousted?
Rachel Reeves, managing the nation’s finances for two years, chose not to accept an alternative Cabinet role and opted to step down entirely. She has been replaced by former Defence Secretary John Healey at No. 11.
Other major figures from the Starmer era experiencing the clear-out include:
- David Lammy: The former Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister.
- Peter Kyle: The former Business Secretary, who lost his position under a restructured department focusing on trade and innovation.
- Liz Kendall: Dismissed from her role in an unexpected move during the reshuffle.
The full list of ministers dropped by Burnham
The Cabinet shake-up saw the following ministers depart:
| Minister | Former Cabinet Role |
| Rachel Reeves | Chancellor of the Exchequer |
| David Lammy | Justice Secretary |
| Peter Kyle | Business Secretary |
| Steve Reed | Housing, Communities & Local Government Secretary |
| Darren Jones | Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster |
| Liz Kendall | Science, Innovation & Technology Secretary |
| Jo Stevens | Welsh Secretary |
| Lord Hermer | Attorney General |
| Hilary Benn | Northern Irish Secretary |
| Jenny Chapman | Development Minister |
| Nick Thomas-Symonds | EU relations minister and Paymaster General |
What do the sackings tell us about Burnham’s premiership?
The broad scope of the reshuffle indicates Burnham’s intentions for governance. By removing key figures from Starmer’s inner circle, such as Reeves and Lammy, Burnham aims to redefine the administration’s trajectory away from previous policies and perceived missteps.
The appointment of John Healey as Chancellor suggests a shift from traditional Treasury approaches. Burnham has expressed a desire to harness fiscal flexibility to stimulate investment in infrastructure, reduce energy bills, and promote re-industrialisation.
Promoting key allies like Louise Haigh into central roles demonstrates Burnham’s commitment to regional devolution and redistributing political influence away from London. This reshuffle represents a Prime Minister poised to establish authority, focusing on urgent domestic reform and addressing the ongoing cost-of-living challenges.
The actions taken reflect an early determination to shape a distinct new chapter in UK governance, aligning with national priorities amid significant economic pressures.
