20th Jul 2026 18:32
(Alliance News) - Andy Burnham promised the biggest change to British politics in 40 years as he became prime minister, making John Healey his chancellor and sweeping away key figures from Keir Starmer's government.
The new prime minister promised to provide early "breathing space" for households struggling with the cost of living, vowed to end rough sleeping and set out a goal of "reindustrialising Britain".
Speaking outside the door to No 10 Burnham said he would deliver "a new political model and a new economic model" for Britain.
Former defence secretary Healey, who quit Starmer's government in a row over funding for the military, was the first new appointment announced by Burnham.
He replaced Rachel Reeves, who he clashed with over cash for the defence investment plan, as a series of major figures from the Starmer era were sacked.
Starmer's deputy prime minister David Lammy, chief secretary Darren Jones, business secretary Peter Kyle, attorney general Richard Hermer, technology secretary Liz Kendall, Welsh secretary Jo Stevens, Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn, paymaster general Nick Thomas-Symonds and development minister Baroness Chapman all lost their jobs.
Starmer loyalist Steve Reed, who lost his Cabinet role at the housing ministry, told Burnham: "I hope those who did not show loyalty to Keir will now show it to you."
source: PA
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