By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2026-07-20 05:01:14 | Updated at 2026-07-20 23:13:05
18 hours ago
Andy Burnham will bring months of speculation to a close within hours as he unveils his new Cabinet.
The newly-anointed Labour leader is set to swing the axe on some of Sir Keir Starmer's ministerial allies once the long-awaited "orderly transition of power" is complete.
Both he and Sir Keir will be addressing the nation from Downing Street today - before the work begins for the Makerfield MP.
So far, he has insisted that revealing his ministerial appointments before he enters No10 would cause "complete chaos".
Shabana Mahmood is expected to be named Chancellor, while convicted fraudster Louise Haigh will likely be made Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Close ally Lucy Powell - Labour's deputy leader - is believed to be in line for the Deputy Prime Minister and Culture Secretary briefs, with Angela Rayner set to be appointed Health Secretary.
Science Secretary Liz Kendall, Business Secretary Peter Kyle, Attorney General Lord Hermer, Housing Secretary Steve Reed, and Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones, are all names rumoured to be facing the chop.
But huge question marks remain over the futures of the original holders of Sir Keir's four Great Offices of State: Rachel Reeves, David Lammy and Yvette Cooper - as well as Ed Miliband, his brother David, and Wes Streeting.
But Mr Burnham admitted that by Friday, he still hadn't decided who would make up his Cabinet.
"I haven’t made any decisions yet about who will be in that top team, but I will soon, and when I have, you will see it reflects all parts of our party, all communities, and it will reflect your own place within this great party of ours," he said.
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The announcements Andy Burnham has already made before he takes reins at No10
Andy Burnham will appoint his new Cabinet today - but which decisions has he already made?
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Digital ID Cards: Andy Burnham would scrap the digital ID card scheme and redirect the funding towards tackling the cost of living. He says the money should be spent on more immediate public priorities.
North Sea Oil and Gas: The new Prime Minister backs drilling at the Jackdaw and Rosebank oil fields - though only if existing licences are upheld. He says this would help protect jobs and improve energy security.
Thames Water: Mr Burnham is expected to place Thames Water into special administration if it cannot secure its finances. He also wants greater public control of essential utilities.
£2 Bus Fare Cap: The Makerfield MP is considering restoring the £2 cap on single bus fares. He also wants to make public transport more affordable for young people.
National Care Service: Mr Burnham wants to create a National Care Service with social care free at the point of use. He also plans to speed up reforms to the social care system.
"No10 North": The ex-Manchester Mayor plans to move part of the Prime Minister's Office to the city he once ruled. He says this will support greater devolution and regional decision-making.
Housebuilding: Mr Burnham has promised the biggest council house-building programme since the Second World War. He wants to use vacant public land to help deliver more affordable homes.
Wealth Tax and Business Rates: Mr Burnham has not ruled out introducing a wealth tax in the future. He also plans to cut business rates for smaller businesses while increasing taxes on large online retailers and empty high street properties.
RECAP: Andy Burnham to address the nation for first time as Prime Minister with promise of 'political stability'
Andy Burnham will pledge that his new Government "must deliver tangible improvements in people's lives".
The new Prime Minister will say in his first speech as Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street that Britain "faces a moment not for triumphalism but for honesty and reflection" today.
He will set out his priorities for restoring confidence in Government and giving Britain more breathing room.
Mr Burnham will say that he is "acutely conscious" of being the sixth person to walk up Downing Street as a new Prime Minister in just 10 years...
