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British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced the composition of his new cabinet, bringing back several familiar figures and making key appointments across government departments.The announcement, made through the Prime Minister's Office, confirms Ed Miliband as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Wes Streeting as Secretary of State for Defense, and John Healey as Chancellor of the Exchequer, according to reports from TASS and The Hindu.
Coverage comparison
Reports from TASS — English and The Hindu — World provide overlapping but distinct details on the new cabinet. TASS — English, in its coverage of the announcement, lists a wide array of appointments, including roles for justice, education, transport, and various other departments. The Hindu — World, meanwhile, focuses on the return of Jonathan Reynolds and Angela Rayner, highlighting their previous departures from government.
The appointments were formally approved by King Charles III, as reported by TASS — English. The king also accepted the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Burnham took office after receiving the monarch's mandate to form a new government.
Key claims
According to TASS — English, the new cabinet includes Ed Miliband as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Wes Streeting as Secretary of State for Defense, and John Healey as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Shabana Mahmood remains Secretary of State for the Home Department, a re-appointment also noted by The Hindu — World.
The Hindu — World reports that Jonathan Reynolds has been named Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, an expanded role, after previously losing his position as Business Minister under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Angela Rayner, according to the same source, has been appointed Housing Minister. She had stepped down from her roles as Housing Secretary, Deputy Prime Minister, and deputy Labour Party leader after admitting to unintentionally underpaying taxes on a property purchase and being found to have breached the ministerial code of conduct.
TASS — English also details a wide range of other appointments, including Alex Norris as Secretary of State for Justice, Yvette Cooper as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Pat McFadden continuing as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Lucy Powell as Secretary of State for Education, Heidi Alexander remaining Secretary of State for Transport, and Miatta Fahnbulleh as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. Angela Eagle was appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Louise Haigh as First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Minister for the Cabinet Office; and Angela Rayner as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Lisa Nandy remains Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Further appointments, as reported by TASS — English, include Chris Bryant as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Stephen Kinnock as Secretary of State for Wales, Douglas Alexander continuing as Secretary of State for Scotland, Alan Campbell as Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons, and Angela Smith as Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Lords. Anneliese Midgley was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip), and Ellie Reeves was chosen as Attorney General.