Andy Burnham's New Cabinet Revealed: Who's In, Who's Out & What It Means For Britain

[00:00:01][applause] [music] [music] [applause] Britain has a new prime minister and now a brand new government.

[00:00:33]Within hours [music] of entering 10 Downing Street, Andy Bernham carried out one of Labour's biggest cabinet reshuffles in years. Several of Kia Star's closest allies were removed.

[00:00:42]Trusted Bernham supporters were promoted and former cabinet ministers made dramatic comebacks. The message was immediate. Bernham wants to put his own stamp on the government. So, who made the cabinet? [music] Who was dropped?

[00:00:55]And what does the reshuffle tell us about where Britain is headed? Let's explain. [applause] [music] Andy Bernham officially became Britain's 59th prime minister after accepting King Charles III's invitation to form a government at Buckingham Palace. Almost immediately afterward, he unveiled a completely reshaped cabinet [music] designed to reflect the priorities he outlined during his first speech outside [music] 10 Downing Street. Burnham promised what he called a new political model and a new economic model for Britain. He pledged to tackle the cost of living crisis, end rough sleeping, rebuild British industry, [music] and transfer more decision-making powers away from Westminster to local communities. His cabinet appointments suggest [music] he intends to move quickly in turning those promises into government policy.

[00:01:58]One of the biggest surprises came with the appointment of John [music] Healey as chancellor. Healey returns to one of the most powerful jobs in government after previously serving as defense secretary. [music] His resignation from Karma's cabinet over defense spending disagreements made headlines only weeks [music] ago. Now he finds himself responsible for Britain's finances. His task [music] will not be easy. Burnham has promised significant investment in public services, industrial [music] policy, and cost of living relief while also maintaining fiscal [music] discipline. Healey will have to balance ambitious spending plans with keeping financial markets confident in Britain's economic [music] stability.

[00:02:43]The reshuffle [music] also marks the return of several prominent Labour figures. Angela Raina is back in cabinet as housing secretary [music] where she will lead Bernham's plans to tackle Britain's housing shortage and address rough sleeping. Her return signals [music] that Bernham is prepared to bring experienced figures back into government even after previous [music] political setbacks.

[00:03:04][snorts] Louise Haye also makes a [music] major comeback. She becomes Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and first Secretary of State, placing her among Burnham's closest cabinet allies.

[00:03:15]>> [music] >> She is expected to play a key role in delivering the prime minister's program of government reform and helping [music] implement his wider political agenda.

[00:03:29]Not every senior minister [music] was replaced. Shabbana Mahmood remains home secretary, meaning she will continue overseeing immigration, policing, and national [music] security. Her retention suggests Bernham wants continuity in one of the government's most sensitive departments.

[00:03:46]Pat McFaten also stays in government [music] as work and pensions secretary where he will continue overseeing welfare reforms.

[00:03:54][snorts] Meanwhile, Lisa [music] Nandy remains in charge of digital culture, media, and sport while taking on additional responsibilities [music] as Burnham begins restructuring parts of Whiteall.

[00:04:10]Some of the most high-profile changes came in Britain's foreign and defense leadership. Former Labour leader Ed Milliband has [music] been appointed foreign secretary. He now takes responsibility for Britain's relationships with allies [music] around the world, including the United States, Europe, and NATO. His appointment could shape Britain's [music] approach to climate diplomacy, international security, and global affairs.

[00:04:37]>> [snorts] >> Meanwhile, West Streeting becomes defense secretary. Although he is better known for his work on domestic policy, Burnham has entrusted him with overseeing Britain's armed forces [music] during a period of growing international uncertainty.

[00:04:56]Bernham has also promoted [music] several trusted allies into important positions. Miata Fanbula becomes energy security and net [music] zero secretary where she will oversee efforts to reduce household energy costs while keeping Britain on track with its climate commitments.

[00:05:13]Jonathan Reynolds [music] returns as business secretary and will lead Bernham's plans to boost British manufacturing and economic growth.

[00:05:21]Lucy Powell also [music] rejoins the cabinet as education secretary following her own political comeback.

[00:05:28]Meanwhile, Anala Migley becomes chief whip, giving one of Burnham's closest allies responsibility for maintaining party discipline in parliament. Burnham has also elevated Keska Narion to the role of AI minister, reflecting the government's growing focus on technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence.

[00:05:53]While several politicians [music] were promoted, others paid the price. Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves leaves government after overseeing Britain's finances under Kia Starmmer. Former foreign secretary [music] David Lammy also exits the cabinet along with several other senior Starmmer allies.

[00:06:10]The reshuffle makes one thing clear.

[00:06:12]Burnham is building a government centered around his own leadership rather than continuing Starmmer's political team.

[00:06:27]Bernham's first cabinet offers an early glimpse into the direction he wants to take Britain. Rather than filling his government with political newcomers, he has largely chosen experienced [music] ministers who have previously served in senior roles. Several of his appointments are trusted allies with proven records in government, suggesting Bernham is prioritizing experience as he begins implementing his agenda. The reshuffle also reflects [music] Bernham's strong political roots in Northern England. A number of key cabinet posts have gone to MPs with close ties to the North or those who worked alongside [music] him during his time as mayor of Greater Manchester. The appointments reinforce Bernham's long-standing promise to shift power away [music] from Westminster and give greater influence to regions outside London. Perhaps most importantly, the new cabinet aligns closely with Burnham's stated priorities. His team has been assembled around delivering on issues such as reducing the cost of living, rebuilding British industry, [music] tackling homelessness, expanding devolution, and reshaping the economy.

[00:07:32]Together, the appointment signal [music] that Bernham intends to move quickly in putting his political vision into action.

[00:07:42]Right. The cost of things is is astronomical.

[00:07:45]Yeah.

[00:07:48]I can't see that is going to help anyone. I can't see it because price is still going up. It's only the electric he's done. He didn't do food. He didn't do baby stuff. He didn't he didn't do anything for the elderly people that in home at the moment and and it it the list just go on.

[00:08:07]>> I think things can change. I don't have massive belief that they will in the near future. Um I think that things have to change. So many people uh at certain sort of working level are struggling so hard at the moment especially in this area. Um I really hope it does but I don't think Burnham's going to do very much about it.

[00:08:28]>> That's not enough. Please council tax.

[00:08:31]What are we doing with the council tax?

[00:08:33]I'm sorry for to jump from VAT of the um electricity bills but the council tax is killing us. Yeah, it's killing us.

[00:08:42]Please do something about the council tax. All I see on my council tax is the bin that's been collected and I'm paying 2,400 something for one up to when is it going to increase every year. Council tax plus food we don't eat. I'm here to find cheap food. I live in Essex. I've come here to look for cheap food so I can buy for my children.

[00:09:13]Andy Bernham entered Downing Street promising to reshape Britain and his first cabinet shows [music] he intends to waste no time. Trusted allies have been rewarded. Experienced ministers [music] have returned and several of Kia Dharma's closest allies have been pushed aside. The reshuffle [music] represents far more than a change of personnel. It marks the beginning of Burnham's attempt to redefine Labour's direction and deliver a new political and economic vision for Britain. Whether this new team can deliver on those promises will determine not only Burnham's success as prime minister, but also the country's political future in the years ahead. [applause] [cheering] [applause]