Sackings, cabinet surprises and policies: Burnham's first 24 hours as PM
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has begun his term by reshuffling his cabinet, appointing John Healey as Chancellor of the Exchequer. The move comes alongside new economic policies, including a VAT cut on energy bills, as the government seeks to establish momentum.
Why it matters
The appointment of a former critic to a key cabinet position signals a significant shift in the new administration's internal power dynamics and economic strategy.
Image source, Getty Images By Joe Pike Political correspondent Published 15 minutes ago Shortly after Andy Burnham telephoned a number of Keir Starmer's allies to sack them from the cabinet on Monday afternoon, John Healey received the signal to head to Number 10.
Wearing a suit and one of his many red ties, the former defence secretary left parliament alone via a back entrance next to a pub.
"I'm on my way to a meeting," he said with a slight smile as he marched down Whitehall.
Healey's imminent appointment as chancellor was a surprise - to him, to his Labour colleagues, and to the British public.
It was a consequential moment among a flurry of announcements from the new prime minister, including today's cut in VAT on energy bills , that demonstrate the new government's intention to move at breakneck speed - at least for now.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in