Burnham Reshapes Britain’s Government Around Living Costs, Devolution and Security
The new prime minister has installed John Healey as chancellor, promised immediate household relief and a 10-year national program, while signaling continuity on security and a transfer of power from Westminster.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has begun reorganizing the British government around economic relief and a longer-term redistribution of power, appointing John Healey as chancellor and promising to outline cost-of-living measures from Tuesday.
Burnham described the transition as a "circuit breaker for Britain" and pledged a 10-year plan encompassing more council housing and an end to rough sleeping.
Healey replaces Rachel Reeves after resigning as Keir Starmer’s defence secretary last month during a dispute over military spending.
His appointment places a former defence chief at the Treasury as the government tries to reconcile household support with Burnham’s commitment to defence and security.
That continuity extends into foreign policy.
Ed Miliband becomes foreign secretary, Shabana Mahmood remains home secretary and Louise Haigh takes over as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
During a call with US President Donald Trump, Burnham reaffirmed Britain’s security commitments and invited him to Manchester.
The domestic restructuring reaches beyond Whitehall.
Burnham says authority will move out of Westminster, a proposal with direct implications for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The transfer began after Starmer formally resigned, saying he was leaving "with good grace" and "a smile," clearing the way for Burnham’s cabinet to assume office.
Burnham described the transition as a "circuit breaker for Britain" and pledged a 10-year plan encompassing more council housing and an end to rough sleeping.
Healey replaces Rachel Reeves after resigning as Keir Starmer’s defence secretary last month during a dispute over military spending.
His appointment places a former defence chief at the Treasury as the government tries to reconcile household support with Burnham’s commitment to defence and security.
That continuity extends into foreign policy.
Ed Miliband becomes foreign secretary, Shabana Mahmood remains home secretary and Louise Haigh takes over as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
During a call with US President Donald Trump, Burnham reaffirmed Britain’s security commitments and invited him to Manchester.
The domestic restructuring reaches beyond Whitehall.
Burnham says authority will move out of Westminster, a proposal with direct implications for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The transfer began after Starmer formally resigned, saying he was leaving "with good grace" and "a smile," clearing the way for Burnham’s cabinet to assume office.
