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 defence
secretary in the Starmer government and resigned in June over defence spending
disputes, was named chancellor. Ed Miliband was appointed foreign secretary; he
led Labour 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.
