Andy Burnham set to chair first cabinet meeting as PM

Newly appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to chair his first cabinet meeting, with a primary focus on introducing measures to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis for households. Standing on the steps of No. 10 Downing Street, Burnham promised to provide immediate "breathing space" for those struggling with rising expenses and indicated that more details would be revealed later today.

In his initial address to the nation, Prime Minister Burnham declared his intention to enact the most substantial changes in British politics in four decades, vowing to implement "a new political model and a new economic model" for the country. His first day in office also saw significant cabinet reshuffles, including the appointment of John Healey as the new Chancellor, succeeding Rachel Reeves.

Several prominent figures from the previous Keir Starmer administration, including former deputy prime minister David Lammy and former attorney general Richard Hermer, departed from their government roles. Their replacements were announced throughout the evening and are expected to join Burnham at the cabinet table. Louise Haigh, a close ally instrumental in Burnham's rise to power, was appointed First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, tasked with a cross-government coordination role. Ed Miliband is the new Foreign Secretary, Shabana Mahmood remains Home Secretary, Wes Streeting takes over as Defence Secretary, and Angela Rayner returns as Housing Secretary. Chris Bryant has been appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

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We’re looking at measures that could make a difference this year. So we are looking at all of those things, but we’ll make more announcements tomorrow.

Notably, Burnham opted not to appoint a new deputy prime minister, a position previously held by Rayner and Lammy. A Downing Street source described the new cabinet as a unified team representing all factions of the Labour Party, focused on delivering Burnham's agenda. The source highlighted the inclusion of experienced individuals tasked with overseeing key domestic priorities and noted the cabinet's balanced gender (50% male, 50% female) and increased ethnic minority representation.

Among the potential measures being considered to help households are rent controls, support for energy bills, and capping bus fares. "We’re looking at measures that could make a difference this year. So we are looking at all of those things, but we’ll make more announcements tomorrow," Burnham told reporters. His first day also involved a series of diplomatic calls, including initial conversations with the U.S. President.

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The new cabinet brought together all parts of the Labour Party to deliver Mr Burnham’s agenda for the country.