Yorkshire politicians at heart of Andy Burnham government
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed his Cabinet and put several Yorkshire politicians at the top table.
Andy Burnham may hail from the North West, but he has put several Yorkshire politicians at the heart of his new Government.
Rawmarsh and Conisburgh MP John Healey was a surprise selection as Chancellor, with both Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood tipped for the role.
The veteran, who has represented a South Yorkshire seat since 1997, replaced Rachel Reeves in No11 Downing Street.
He said it was “the greatest privilege” to be given the crucial job, adding: “Together, we will build a new economy, build new hope and advance the working people of this country. ”
Mr Healey is seen as a safe pair of hands and is widely respected across the Labour benches.
His appointment is expected to herald a rise in defence spending, after he quit as defence secretary under Sir Keir Starmer claiming that the previous Prime Minister failed to properly fund the Armed Forces.
Mr Healey held Treasury roles from 2002 to 2007 under Sir Tony Blair, so has experience of the department.
His first announcement was to scrap VAT on energy bills for six months, which is set to cost around £850m.
Mr Healey said: “It will help bring down inflation while supporting households in every postcode.”
Fellow South Yorkshire MP Ed Miliband was also handed one of the great offices of state as Foreign Secretary.
The Doncaster North MP had previously been Energy Secretary, and had been tipped for Chancellor.
In a statement, he said: “My parents came to Britain as Jewish refugees from the Nazis. To them, Britain was both a sanctuary and a beacon of hope in the global fight against fascism.
“I will carry my parents’ faith in that spirit of Britain to my role representing our country.
“I will be a Foreign Secretary who fights for Britain’s interests and our values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law on the world stage.
“Today, as we face a time of greater instability and threat to international law and democracy than at any time since the Second World War, these values are more important than ever.”
Mr Miliband replaced Yvette Cooper in the Foreign Office, who has been moved over to the health brief.
The Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley MP has said she will focus on improving maternity services and reforming social care.
Louise Haigh, who left her post as transport secretary under Sir Keir in 2024 and has been planning Mr Burnham’s ascent to power since last year, was named First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and minister for the Cabinet Office.
The Sheffield Heeley MP is one of the most powerful people in the Burnham operation, having masterminded his by-election win in Makerfield and his swift ascent to No10.
She is effectively his deputy in all but name. A number of senior Yorkshire MPs were sacked by Mr Burnham as he purged several Starmer loyalists.
Ms Reeves lost her Treasury brief and is understood to have turned down an offer from Mr Burnham for another senior role in Government, with her allies declining to say what that alternative job was.
The Leeds West and Pudsey MP wrote on X that it had been “the privilege of my life” to serve as the first female chancellor.
“The economy today is stronger, fairer and more resilient because of the choices we have taken as a Labour Government over the past two years.
“I wish the very best of luck to my successor, Andy and his Cabinet.
“You have my full support and I will continue to play my part in helping this Labour Government deliver the change the country needs.”
Barnsley North MP Dan Jarvis was replaced as Defence Secretary by Wes Streeting.
Former British Army head Lord Dannatt questioned the appointment due to the former Health Secretary’s minimal defence experience.
Mr Jarvis, who replaced John Healey only last month, was a decorated paratrooper commander for more than a decade, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Lord Dannatt said: “I’m disappointed that Wes Streeting was appointed to Defence Secretary.
“I think there are other people who have a longer background in defence – Dan Jarvis, who’s only just been appointed, I think was a good appointment after John Healey, personally, I’m disappointed that he’s not remained in the job.”