Andy Burnham names Cabinet

Andy Burnham has appointed John Healey as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Healey, who resigned as defence secretary in June over former prime minister Keir Starmer's planned defence spending, was Burnham's first Cabinet appointment.

The prime minister has appointed Ed Miliband as foreign secretary and Louise Haigh as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. The latter played a key role in Burnham's journey from the Manchester mayoralty to No 10.

Shabana Mahmood will stay as home secretary, despite being linked with other ministerial positions. Pat McFadden will also remain as work and pensions secretary, and Lisa Nandy is staying on as culture secretary.

Yvette Cooper has been named health secretary and Lucy Powell the new education secretary.

Angela Rayner has returned to government after resigning over unpaid stamp duty last year. Rayner will be the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the role she left in September.

Elsewhere, Jonathan Reynolds will take charge of an expanded business department, while another of Burnham's allies, Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley, is the new chief whip.

Bridget Phillipson has been made Minister for Women and Equalities, having held the education brief under Starmer.

Former health secretary Wes Streeting has been made defence secretary, while Douglas Alexander will remain as Scotland secretary.

Healey replaces Rachel Reeves, who has left government, along with other close Starmer allies, David Lammy and Peter Kyle, to make way for the new administration.

In a statement on X, Healey wrote: “It is the greatest privilege to be appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer by the Prime Minister.  

“Together we will build a new economy, build new hope and advance the working people of this country. Time to get on with the job.”

Burnham's decision to put Healey in the Treasury came somewhat as a surprise, with Mahmood and Miliband seen as frontrunners for the job.

Announced Cabinet positions

Andy Burnham, Prime Minister

John Healey, Chancellor

Louise Haigh, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Ed Miliband, foreign secretary

Shabana Mahmood, home secretary

Wes Streeting, defence secretary

Yvette Cooper, health secretary

Lucy Powell, education secretary

Pat McFadden, work and pensions secretary

Angela Rayner, housing secretary

Jonathan Reynolds, business and trade secretary

Bridget Phillipson, equalities minister

Lisa Nandy, culture secretary

Miatta Fahnbulleh, energy secretary

Alex Norris, justice secretary

Angela Eagle, environment secretary

Chris Bryant, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Scotland

Stephen Kinnock, Secretary of State for Wales

Anneliese Midgley, chief whip

Ellie Reeves, Attorney General 

Alan Campbell, Leader of the Commons 

Baroness Smith of Basildon, Leader of the Lords 

Hamish Falconer, Minister of State (Minister for Intergovernmental Relations and European Relations) 

Kanishka Narayan, AI minister 

Matthew Pennycook, housing minister 

Burnham officially became prime minister earlier today, succeeding Starmer and becoming the UK's seventh PM in a decade.

In a speech outside No 10, the former Manchester mayor pledged to end rough sleeping and take new action to tackle cost-of-living pressures. The PM also said he would bring forward a 10-year plan for Britain later in the year.

Starmer said in his farewell address that he was leaving office with "good grace" and a "smile", adding that he would give Burnham his full support from the backbenches.

First Minister John Swinney congratulated the prime minister on his appointment earlier today, and said he is committed to “working constructively” with the new UK Government to “improve the lives of people in Scotland”.

Swinney said: “Taking action on the cost of living must be an absolute priority for the new prime minister, and supporting people through sustained economic pressures will be key to restoring confidence and stability after a period of political turbulence.

“Just two months ago, the people of Scotland voted for my government and our commitment to support people with the cost of living, ensure easier and quicker access to the NHS, and deliver the right to choose a fresh start with independence.

“I look forward to constructive conversations with the new prime minister about how we make that happen.”