Dubai, UAE — Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham took office on Monday, replacing several allies of predecessor Keir Starmer in a cabinet reshuffle while pledging a 10-year plan to tackle cost-of-living pressures and signalling a shift to the political left, France24 reported.
Burnham, 56, assumed office after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace and vowed to re-industrialise Britain, decentralise power from Westminster and end rough sleeping.
He began his first day by holding separate calls with U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before announcing his ministerial team.
Former defence secretary John Healey was appointed finance minister, Ed Miliband became foreign minister and Wes Streeting was named defence minister. Angela Rayner returned to government, while Shabana Mahmood remained interior minister.
Several ministers seen as close to Starmer, including Rachel Reeves and David Lammy, were removed or reassigned as Burnham sought to stamp his authority on the government.
Burnham said he would soon unveil measures to ease cost-of-living pressures and reiterated plans to expand public housing, strengthen public control of essential services and boost British industry through public procurement.
Trump described his first conversation with Burnham as “very good” and said the two leaders discussed trade, military cooperation and the Strait of Hormuz. Burnham also reaffirmed Britain’s support for Ukraine during his call with Zelensky, according to Downing Street.
Burnham succeeds Starmer after Labour lawmakers replaced him as party leader following his resignation. He inherits slowing economic growth, high public debt, elevated borrowing costs and pressure over irregular migration, while opposition parties have questioned his mandate and called for a snap election, France24 reported.
