John Healey Named UK Chancellor, Wes Streeting Becomes Defence Secretary in Burnham Cabinet

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London: British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed John Healey as Chancellor and Wes Streeting as Defence Secretary as part of his first cabinet reshuffle, while pledging major reforms and a long-term plan to reshape the country.

In his first address outside Downing Street, Burnham said his government would introduce the ‘biggest changes in the last 40 years’ and unveil a 10-year ‘new plan for Britain’ later this year. He also promised measures in the coming days to ease the cost of living while maintaining the government's fiscal rules.

Healey, who resigned as defence secretary in the previous government over a dispute about defence spending, said he would work closely with Burnham to keep public finances stable while making life more affordable for working people.

Streeting, a former health secretary, said strengthening the armed forces and supporting Britain's allies, particularly Ukraine, would be among his priorities as defence secretary.

Burnham also reshuffled several other senior cabinet positions. Ed Miliband was appointed Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper became Health Secretary, Angela Rayner returned as Housing Secretary, Shabana Mahmood remained Home Secretary, and Louise Haigh was named First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Cabinet Office minister.

The appointments came after Burnham removed several ministers from the previous government led by Keir Starmer. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch congratulated Burnham on becoming prime minister but criticised him for not setting out what she described as a clear plan for government.

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