Andy Burnham clears out senior ministers Lammy and Reeves after taking power
David Lammy, Rachel Reeves and Steve Reed are among the first high-profile Cabinet ministers to be shown the door by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Ms Reeves lost her job as chancellor and is understood to have turned down an offer from Mr Burnham for another senior role in Government.
Mr Lammy, until now the deputy prime minister and justice secretary, and previously foreign secretary, announced he was leaving Government on social media, while Mr Reed, seen as an arch-loyalist to Sir Keir Starmer, said he was “disappointed to be leaving Government now” in a letter to Mr Burnham.
Tottenham MP Mr Lammy said he “would have been proud to continue serving in Cabinet. But a new Prime Minister is entitled to build his own team”.
He added he would “support this Labour Government from the backbenches and do everything I can to help defeat Reform again at the next general election”.
In a post on X, Ms Reeves wrote: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve as the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
“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.”
Ms Reeves’ allies declined to say what the alternative job she rejected was.
Mr Reed, who has served as environment secretary and housing secretary since the general election in 2024, said Labour “won power the hard way”, and in a rebuke to the incoming Prime Minister later added: “Keir Starmer showed loyalty to me by appointing me to his Cabinet.
“I make no apology for returning that loyalty.
“It’s what is expected of functioning teams, and I hope those who did not show loyalty to Keir will now show it to you.
“I’m proud I acted with integrity at every step over the turbulent past few months.”
Peter Kyle, who was business secretary, former technology secretary Liz Kendall, and Lord Hermer, the now ex-attorney general, also announced they were leaving Government.
Jo Stevens lost her job as secretary of state for Wales and Darren Jones, who served as Sir Keir’s chief secretary, said Mr Burnham told him he “won’t be a part of his new cabinet”.
Mr Burnham was expected to begin making appointments to major Cabinet positions late on Monday afternoon.
John Healey, who recently resigned as Sir Keir’s defence secretary in a row over military funding, was the first person to enter No 10, indicating he could be in line for a senior role.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who have both been the subject of speculation they could become chancellor, walked into the building together.
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, also went in to Downing Street.
Several junior ministers announced they were leaving Government earlier on Monday.
Prisons minister Lord James Timpson was the first to announce he had resigned, and was shortly followed by Lord Patrick Vallance, a science minister.
Published: by Radio NewsHub