Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced his government on Monday, excluding close associates of his predecessor Keir Starmer, after taking office as the seventh British prime minister since 2016.

Burnham had promised to bring about radical change in the United Kingdom.

Unexpected names

In an unexpected move, he appointed former Defense Secretary John Healey, who left Starmer's government over budget disputes, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, replacing Rachel Reeves.

Related news

Healey faces a daunting task due to slowing economic growth and pressures on public finances from high debt levels. Outgoing Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was appointed Foreign Secretary, while Shabana Mahmood, known for her tough stance on immigration, retained her position as Home Secretary. On Monday evening, Wes Streeting was appointed Defense Secretary; he had resigned as Health Secretary in Starmer's government and had intended to challenge Burnham for Labour leadership before backing down. Ministers close to Keir Starmer were excluded, such as outgoing Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, outgoing Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and former Trade Secretary Peter Kyle.

The broadest change in the country

Burnham became leader of the Labour Party on Friday after receiving support from about 95% of its MPs, which automatically qualifies him to head the government as the party holds a majority in Parliament. In his first speech as prime minister, Burnham vowed to launch the broadest transformation in the country in four decades and work to restore citizens' sense of hope. He stated outside the prime minister's residence that the United Kingdom must show the world its ability to restore stability, and that he wants to work on reviving the country's industrial sector, building more social housing, and establishing a new economy in which the state plays a greater role in overseeing essential services. He focused on social issues, promising to act quickly to 'ease burdens on citizens and help them cope with the high cost of living,' without announcing specific measures.