Andy Burnham Prepares New Labour Cabinet: David Miliband and Angela Rayner in Spotlight

July 16, 2026
Andy Burnham Prepares New Labour Cabinet: David Miliband and Angela Rayner in Spotlight
  • Andy Burnham is poised to assemble a Cabinet as he prepares to take over Labour leadership and potentially succeed as prime minister, with multiple senior Labour figures discussed as possible ministers.

  • There is uncertainty about which of Keir Starmer’s final Cabinet members will stay, as most have backed Burnham, while one member remains unavailable due to NEC duties.

  • Burnham has not yet announced his Cabinet lineup as he readies his leadership transition.

  • David Miliband has been floated as foreign secretary in the Lords, drawing on his previous government and humanitarian experience.

  • Miatta Fahnbulleh has been advising Burnham and shaping policy plans, signaling continued influence behind the scenes.

  • Miliband’s return as foreign secretary would hinge on him re-entering frontline politics, leveraging his international aid background.

  • Lucy Powell, a Burnham backer and former deputy Labour leader, has signaled interest in returning to the front bench, potentially in a deputy prime minister role with a Manchester base for Burnham’s team.

  • Ed Miliband is considered a leading candidate for chancellor, aligned with Burnham’s industrialisation and net-zero agenda, though his stance on North Sea drilling could provoke opposition.

  • John Healey is floated for a return in a foreign affairs capacity, drawing on his cabinet experience and past defence funding concerns.

  • Shabana Mahmood is also linked to a top role but may prefer to remain Home Secretary to push asylum reforms.

  • Angela Rayner, cleared over tax matters, is considered for a devolution-focused portfolio to bolster Burnham’s housing and local government agenda.

  • Yvette Cooper is floated for either Treasury or Foreign Secretary, aiming for continuity on EU, NATO, and Ukraine policy.

Summary based on 4 sources


Get a daily email with more UK News stories

Sources

Who will be in Andy Burnham’s Cabinet?

Oxford Mail • Jul 16, 2026

Who will be in Andy Burnham’s Cabinet?

Who will be in Andy Burnham’s Cabinet?

Reading Chronicle • Jul 16, 2026

Who will be in Andy Burnham’s Cabinet?

Who will be in Andy Burnham’s Cabinet?

Malvern Gazette • Jul 16, 2026

Who will be in Andy Burnham’s Cabinet?

Who will be in Andy Burnham’s Cabinet?

Chester and District Standard • Jul 16, 2026

Who will be in Andy Burnham’s Cabinet?

More Stories