MON JULY 20 2026-theGBJournal| Andy Burnham began his tenure as Britain’s new prime minister on today with a sweeping cabinet overhaul, dismissing some of Sir Keir Starmer’s closest political allies as he set out plans for what he described as a decade-long programme to tackle the country’s cost of living crisis and expand affordable housing.
The 56-year-old, who becomes Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, moved swiftly to stamp his authority on government after accepting His Majesty the King’s invitation to form a government.
His first major act was a cabinet reshuffle that removed several of the most prominent figures from the previous administration, signalling a decisive break from the Starmer era.
Those dismissed include Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, and Attorney General Richard Hermer.
People familiar with the discussions told major UK news outlets that Burnham offered Reeves another position in his cabinet, but she declined the offer, underlining the scale of the political reset underway at the top of government.
In his first address as prime minister, Burnham pledged to unveil a 10-year national plan on Tuesday centred on easing the cost of living pressures facing British households.
He also promised to replace what he described as “rough sleeping” with a new programme of council house construction, placing affordable housing at the centre of his government’s domestic agenda.
The pledges suggest Burnham intends to focus his administration on bread-and-butter economic issues, including housing affordability and household living standards, as Britain continues to grapple with sluggish economic growth, strained public finances and persistent pressure on family incomes.
Burnham’s first day in office also featured early diplomatic outreach.
According to reports, he has already spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump, who welcomed his appointment amid reports that the new British leader intends to resume oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, a move that could mark a significant shift in Britain’s energy policy.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also congratulated Burnham, signalling Ottawa’s desire to maintain close ties with the new government.
Posting on his X account, Carney wrote: “Congratulations to Andy Burnham on becoming the new Prime Minister of the UK. Canada and the UK have shared history, enduring ties, and deep connections between our peoples.”
Carney added that he looked forward to working with Burnham to build greater security, stability and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.
The rapid cabinet changes, combined with Burnham’s promise of a long-term economic programme, indicate the new prime minister intends to establish a distinct political identity quickly, while seeking to reassure international partners that Britain will remain an active player on the global stage even as it embarks on a new domestic policy direction.
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