Burnham dismissed several key allies of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy.Former Defence Secretary John Healey was appointed Chancellor, while former Energy Secretary Ed Miliband became Foreign Secretary. Prominent left-wing politician Angela Rayner returned to government, and Wes Streeting, who previously withdrew from the Labour leadership race in favor of Burnham, was named Defence Secretary. Shabana Mahmood retained her position as Home Secretary to continue implementing tougher reforms to the UK's asylum system.
Burnham said he would soon unveil a "New Plan for Britain", a 10-year strategy aimed at shaping the country's future.
The same day, Burnham held separate phone calls with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In his conversation with Trump, Burnham reaffirmed Britain's commitment to defence and security. Trump later described the discussion as "very good," saying the two leaders had agreed to meet soon and had discussed trade, military cooperation, and mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
During his call with Zelensky, Burnham reaffirmed the UK's "unwavering commitment" to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
