Highly Reliable
Confidence: High
StandardThis BBC News live-page article reports that Andy Burnham has become UK Prime Minister following Keir Starmer's resignation, and that Burnham has appointed his cabinet, with John Healey as Chancellor, Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, Shabana Mahmood reappointed as Home Secretary, and Louise Haigh returning as First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Targeted web research strongly corroborates the central premise and the principal appointments against a primary source (GOV.UK / UK Parliament) and multiple reputable secondary outlets (CNN, CBS, NBC, Wikipedia). GOV.UK confirms Burnham became Prime Minister on 20 July 2026 and Wikipedia (dated) confirms Healey as Chancellor since July 2026 under Burnham. The article is presented in a factual, attributed live-reporting style with low emotional loading. A small number of secondary biographical details (e.g., the Haigh and Rayner resignation circumstances) could not be independently re-confirmed within this session due to search limits and are flagged as partially unverified, though they are consistent with the corroborated record. Overall the content is highly reliable, with only minor residual uncertainty around fast-moving cabinet minutiae.
Verified Claims
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Disputed / False Claims
Detected Biases:
Language Patterns
Emotional manipulation: 0.08
Limitations: Several follow-up searches returned empty results (apparent rate limiting), so a few secondary biographical details could not be independently re-confirmed this session and were downgraded to Unverified rather than assumed true or false.
Level: High
The central and highest-priority claims are corroborated by an authoritative primary source (GOV.UK) and multiple independent reputable secondary sources, all dated to the reported event window. Presentation is neutral and well-attributed. Confidence is not 'Very High' because a subset of secondary biographical details and exact figures could not be independently re-confirmed this session due to search limitations, and cabinet roles are inherently fast-changing.
Query: who is the current UK Prime Minister
Query: Keir Starmer
Query: Andy Burnham mayor Greater Manchester
Query: Ed Miliband Energy Secretary
Query: Shabana Mahmood
Query: John Healey Defence Secretary
Query: Louise Haigh resignation November 2024 fraud; Angela Rayner stamp duty Hove
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Live.91,001 viewing 91001 viewing Live page Updated 3 minutes ago
# Healey appointed chancellor and Miliband becomes foreign secretary as Burnham picks cabinet
Burnham Appoints John Healey as Chancellor
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## Summary
* [John Healey is the new chancellor]( while [Ed Miliband becomes foreign secretary]( as Prime Minister Andy Burnham appoints his cabinet - _watch live above_
* [Shabana Mahmood]( has been reappointed as home secretary, while [Louise Haigh]( rejoins the cabinet as the new Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
* Healey, [who replaces Rachel Reeves]( resigned as Keir Starmer's defence secretary last month following a row over defence spending
* In his first speech as PM, Burnham [promises a 10-year plan]( says cost-of-living measures will be outlined from Tuesday - [here are some of his options](
* "This moment will be a circuit breaker for Britain," he says, while pledging to end rough sleeping and build more council homes - [BBC Verify looks at his record on rough sleeping as Greater Manchester mayor](
* Burnham invites [US President Donald Trump]( to Manchester during a call and underlines "his commitment to defence and security", a spokesperson says
Previous Next, 3 of 20
* 0:39'Honour of my life to be foreign secretary' - Miliband. 00:00:39, play video'Honour of my life to be foreign secretary' - Miliband * 0:55 Healey seen as 'safe pair of hands' as he is appointed chancellor. 00:00:55, play video Healey seen as 'safe pair of hands' as he is appointed chancellor * 1:13'Make politics work', Burnham says in first speech as PM. 00:01:13, play video'Make politics work', Burnham says in first speech as PM * 0:50 Kuenssberg: 'Labour see Burnham as a winner' 00:00:50, play video Kuenssberg: 'Labour see Burnham as a winner' * 0:47 Who is the PM's wife, Marie-France van Heel? 00:00:47, play video Who is the PM's wife, Marie-France van Heel? * 0:56 Who is Andy Burnham and what does he stand for? 00:00:56, play video Who is Andy Burnham and what does he stand for? * 0:29 Burnham and wife arrive at Downing Street. 00:00:29, play video Burnham and wife arrive at Downing Street * 1:23 Mason: What image does Burnham want to project? 00:01:23, play video Mason: What image does Burnham want to project? * 1:06 No 10 North and backing Ukraine - New PM on his plans. 00:01:06, play video No 10 North and backing Ukraine - New PM on his plans * 0:55 Andy Burnham meets King Charles III. 00:00:55, play video Andy Burnham meets King Charles III * 0:42 Why wasn't there a general election? 00:00:42, play video Why wasn't there a general election? * 1:18 Starmer leaves Downing Street and meets King. 00:01:18, play video Starmer leaves Downing Street and meets King * 0:51'My work is done' says Starmer in last speech as PM. 00:00:51, play video'My work is done' says Starmer in last speech as PM * 1:04 Chris Mason reflects on Starmer's final speech. 00:01:04, play video Chris Mason reflects on Starmer's final speech * 0:56 What is Andy Burnham promising? 00:00:56, play video What is Andy Burnham promising? * 0:44 Labour’s new leader:‘I have a plan’ 00:00:44, play video Labour’s new leader:‘I have a plan’ * 0:38 Burnham will stick to manifesto - Powell. 00:00:38, play video Burnham will stick to manifesto - Powell * 0:46 Badenoch: Burnham's plans are 'airy-fairy stuff' 00:00:46, play video Badenoch: Burnham's plans are 'airy-fairy stuff' * 0:37 Why the Labour Party is 'smiling' again. 00:00:37, play video Why the Labour Party is 'smiling' again * 1:02 Andy Burnham says he is still 'finalising' cabinet. 00:01:02, play video Andy Burnham says he is still 'finalising' cabinet
## Live Reporting
Edited by Rorey Bosotti and Ben Hatton, with Chris Mason and Nick Eardley reporting from Downing Street
## LIVE stream page 1
1. ### Ministers continue to enter No 10 and cabinet positions handed out published at 19:39 BST 19:39 BST published at 18:39 18:39
Labour figures, from cabinet to the back benches, are continuing to arrive at Downing Street as Andy Burnham picks those that will form his government.
Here are some of the recent additions:
Image source, Reuters
Image caption, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is among those who have entered No 10
Image source, PA Media
Image caption, Jonathan Reynolds, current chief whip and parliamentary secretary to the Treasury, is also in Downing Street
Image source, Reuters
Image caption, Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley, who has not previously held an ministerial position, was also seen arriving at No 10 Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 2. ### Burnham ally Lucy Powell arrives at Downing Street published at 19:32 BST 19:32 BST published at 18:32 18:32
Image source, Pool Lucy Powell, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and a key ally of Andy Burnham, has just arrived at No 10.
Powell served as leader of the House of Commons from July 2024 to September 2025 under Keir Starmer. Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 3. ### Who is Shabana Mahmood?published at 19:31 BST 19:31 BST published at 18:31 18:31
Image source, Getty Images Shabana Mahmood has been one of the more prominent Labour figures since Labour's 2024 general election win.
MP for Birminham Ladywood since 2010, Mahmood was initially appointed justice secretary before replacing Yvette Cooper as home secretary in September 2025.
Shortly after being appointed, she [announced sweeping changes]( to the UK’s asylum system, brushing off criticism from some Labour MPs and describing the previous system as “out of control”.
Over the past few weeks, Mahmood has been one of two names rumoured to be in the running to take up residence in No 11 as Andy Burnham’s chancellor – the other being Ed Miliband.
Despite Mahmood's lack of economic background, the markets reacted positively to rumours of her potential appointment and the "sensible approach" it may indicate, financial expert [Kathleen Brooks told the BBC]( Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 4. ### 'Now let's finish the job' - Mahmood published at 19:23 BST 19:23 BST published at 18:23 18:23
Shabana Mahmood, who has retained her role as home secretary, says it is an "honour" to keep the job.
In a post on X, alongside a picture [of her and Burnham holding hands and smiling]( she writes: "I may be biased, but it's the best job in the business.
"We have begun the work of major reform, to make our streets safer and our immigration system fair for all. Now let’s finish the job." Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 5. ### Miliband says foreign secretary job is 'honour of my life'published at 19:17 BST 19:17 BST published at 18:17 18:17
Image source, EPA Ed Miliband has told BBC political editor Chris Mason it is the "honour of my life" to serve as foreign secretary.
Speaking as he left No 10 following his appointment, he said: "My parents came here as Jewish refugees fleeing from the Nazis, and for them, Britain provided sanctuary and a beacon of hope in the fight against fascism".
He added that at a time "when values of democracy, the rule of law and freedom are under threat as never before", he would "carry that spirit, their spirit, into my work as foreign secretary". Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 6. ### Former deputy PM Angela Rayner arrives at Downing Street published at 19:13 BST 19:13 BST published at 18:13 18:13
Image source, Reuter Former Deputy PM Angela Rayner is the latest former minister to be spotted on Downing Street as Andy Burnham selects his cabinet.
She resigned as Starmer's deputy PM and housing secretary in September 2025 after admitting she should have paid a higher rate of stamp duty when purchasing a flat in Hove.
This matter was settled in May of this year, with Rayner stating [she had been "exonerated"]( of the accusation she had "deliberately sought to avoid tax". Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 7. ### Healey will have to make good on defence criticisms published at 19:10 BST 19:10 BST published at 18:10 18:10
**Jonathan Beale**
Defence correspondent
Image source, @10DowningStreet John Healey as chancellor will now have to deliver on what John Healey as former Defence Secretary said the Treasury failed to do - properly fund Britain’s Armed Forces.
When he [resigned as Keir Starmer’s Defence Secretary last month]( he accused the Treasury of being “unwilling” to fund his Defence Investment Plan.
Though he was offered more money he said it wasn’t enough to keep the country safe and included what he called “treasury trickery” - with a lack of clarity on what new money the Ministry of Defence would get.
Healey also made clear that he wanted a clear plan to increase UK defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030.
Now he’s the chancellor he will have the opportunity to set out that plan himself.
If Healey is true to his words it can only mean more positive news for his successor as defence secretary. Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 8. ### Healey says chancellor appointment the 'greatest privilege'published at 19:08 BST 19:08 BST published at 18:08 18:08
Image source, Reuters In his first statement since being named chancellor by Andy Burnham, John Healey says the appointment is the "greatest privilege".
"Together, we will build a new economy, build new hope and advance the working people of this country," he writes on X.
"Time to get on with the job," he adds. Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 9. ### Andy Burnham's top team so far published at 19:02 BST 19:02 BST published at 18:02 18:02
After weeks of speculation, announcements of Andy Burnham’s cabinet appointments are now coming through thick and fast. So, if you’re struggling to keep up, here’s a recap of who’s in the new Downing Street team.
* Former defence secretary **John Healey**is moving into No 11, with the top job as chancellor * The former energy secretary **Ed Miliband** will take over as foreign secretary * **Shabana Mahmood** has held onto her old job, having been reappointed home secretary * Former transport secretary **Louise Haigh** is back in the prime minister's top team, serving as first secretary of state and chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster
We’ll keep you updated on further movements.
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10. ### Pat McFadden and Lisa Nandy in Downing Street published at 18:58 BST 18:58 BST published at 17:58 17:58
Image source, Reuters A short while ago, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden strolled up Downing Street and entered No 10.
Shortly after him, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also arrived at the PM's address.
Image source, PA Media Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 11. ### Who is Ed Miliband?published at 18:54 BST 18:54 BST published at 17:54 17:54
Image source, EPA The new Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband had been serving as energy secretary under Keir Starmer, and has been touted as a contender for chancellor under Andy Burnham.
The former Labour leader has been an MP for more than 20 years, representing Doncaster North since 2005, and also served in government under Gordon Brown and Tony Blair.
Following Keir Starmer's resignation announcement last month, Miliband said that Labour "must now redouble our efforts to deliver the bold and credible change". Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 12. ### Louise Haigh's cabinet appointment confirmed published at 18:48 BST 18:48 BST published at 17:48 17:48
Image source, PA Media Louise Haigh, who has emerged as a key ally of Andy Burnham, has now been confirmed as first secretary of state and chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
The former transport secretary, who resigned in November 2024 after it emerged she [pleaded guilty to a fraud offence]( a decade ago, replaces Starmer ally Darren Jones in the role.
Earlier, Jones said Burnham had called him "to tell me I won’t be a part of his new cabinet". Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 13. ### Shabana Mahmood reappointed as home secretary published at 18:45 BST 18:45 BST Breaking published at 17:45 17:45 Breaking
Image source, Downing Street Shabana Mahmood has been reappointed home secretary by Andy Burnham.
She first took on the role in September 2025, replacing Yvette Cooper in Keir Starmer's first reshuffle. Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 14. ### Ed Miliband replaces Cooper as foreign secretary published at 18:43 BST 18:43 BST Breaking published at 17:43 17:43 Breaking
Ed Miliband is taking over from Yvette Cooper as Foreign Secretary in Andy Burnham's cabinet.
Miliband, who also served as leader of the Labour Party from 2010 to 2015, was energy secretary in Keir Starmer's government. Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 15. ### John Healey has a track record working in the Treasury published at 18:42 BST 18:42 BST published at 17:42 17:42
**Faisal Islam**
Economics editor
John Healey has just arrived in the Treasury. He is a surprise choice as chancellor but perhaps should not have been.
He spent half a decade in Gordon Brown’s Treasury with specific knowledge of that era’s attempt to regenerate and devolve power - the Regional Development Agencies, later scrapped by the Coalition Government.
He is well-respected on the international stage and has built links with key economic allies in Europe, the Middle East and the United States. Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 16. ### John Healey leaves Downing Street after appointment as Chancellor published at 18:38 BST 18:38 BST published at 17:38 17:38
Image source, Reuters Britain's newly appointed Chancellor, John Healey, has been pictured leaving No 11.
The former defence secretary is the first cabinet appointment of Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 17. ### Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper arrives at No 10 published at 18:33 BST 18:33 BST published at 17:33 17:33
Image source, EPA Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has arrived at No 10 amid the selection of Andy Burnham's new cabinet.
Cooper has served as both foreign and home secretary under Keir Starmner, and worked with Burnham in the Labour governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 18. ### Eleven cabinet attendees now sacked as Burnham appoints new team published at 18:28 BST 18:28 BST published at 17:28 17:28
**Denis Doherty**
BBC News
We are now up to 11 individuals who sat around the cabinet table of previous Prime Minister Keir Starmer who have been sacked or left the government now that Andy Burnham is in No 10.
Eight full cabinet ministers - Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, Liz Kendall, Peter Kyle, Hilary Benn, Jo Stevens, Darren Jones and Steve Reed - are joined by three others who attend cabinet; Lord Hermer, Baroness Chapman and Nick Thomas-Symonds.
Thomas-Symonds, the latest to go, served both as the Paymaster General and as the Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations. Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 19. ### Louise Haigh set for cabinet return published at 18:22 BST 18:22 BST published at 17:22 17:22
Louise Haigh is expected to be appointed First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Haigh previously served as transport secretary under Keir Starmer. Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing]( 20. ### Who is John Healey?published at 18:18 BST 18:18 BST published at 17:18 17:18
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock John Healey was the defence secretary from July 2024 to June this year - resigning from Keir Starmer's government [in a row over military spending](
He is currently the MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, first being elected to Parliament in 1997.
Healey served as parliamentary private secretary to Chancellor Gordon Brown, from 1999 to 2001.
Between 2001 and 2010, he successively served as adult skills minister, treasury minister, local government minister and housing minister. Share close panel Share page Copy link [About sharing](
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