Chris Mason: Cull of Starmer allies as new chancellor faces crunching spending choices
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has begun his term by appointing a new cabinet and reshuffling senior government roles. The transition includes a significant cull of ministers loyal to former Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the appointment of John Healey as the new chancellor.
Why it matters
This reshuffle signals a major shift in the UK's political direction and economic strategy under the new administration.
Image source, EPA By Chris Mason Political editor Published 30 minutes ago A government ends and a new government begins, determined to make a splash with its early policy announcements.
We can expect to see and hear plenty from the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his senior ministers in the coming days, making arguments, travelling the country and trying to make an impact.
Burnham's new cabinet will meet for the first time at lunchtime.
Its appointment became something of a nocturnal affair.
At gone 22:00 BST on Monday night, there was still a minibus full of ministerial wannabes inside Downing Street waiting for their new positions to be confirmed.
One of the later posts to be filled was that of defence secretary, a role taken by Wes Streeting, whose resignation as health secretary two months ago contributed to the draining of Sir Keir Starmer's authority as prime minister.
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