On the 20th, King Charles III commissioned new Prime Minister Burnham to form a government and Burnham appointed his cabinet. John Healey, who served as defense secretary in the Starmer government and resigned in June over defense spending disputes,

2026-07-21

On the 20th, King Charles III commissioned new Prime Minister Burnham to form a government and Burnham appointed his cabinet. John Healey, who served as defense secretary in the Starmer government and resigned in June over defense spending disputes, was named chancellor. Ed Miliband was appointed foreign secretary; he led Labor from 2010–15 and served as energy secretary under Starmer. Louise Haigh was named First Secretary of State and Minister for the Duchy of Lancaster; she previously served as transport secretary and resigned in November 2024 and is viewed as a key Burnham ally. Shabana Mahmood will remain home secretary.