Cull of Starmer allies as new Chancellor faces crunching spending choices
Andy Burnham has assumed the role of Prime Minister, immediately announcing a VAT cut on electricity bills. His cabinet reshuffle features John Healey as Chancellor and includes a significant departure of ministers loyal to former PM Keir Starmer.
Why it matters
This marks a major shift in UK leadership and economic policy, signaling a move toward reindustrialization and a departure from the previous administration's inner circle.
Image source, EPA By Chris Mason Political editor Published 21 July 2026, 06:30 BST Updated 08:21 BST A government ends and a new government begins, determined to make a splash with its early policy announcements.
Andy Burnham has started his first full day in the job with a promise to cut VAT from household electricity bills from 1 October.
We can expect to see and hear plenty from the new prime minister 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.
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