Who are the key winners and losers of Andy Burnham’s reshuffle so far?

Andy Burnham, who became prime minister by promising a “circuit breaker” to British politics, started his term with a bang. The new Prime Minister has carried out a brutal purge of Starmer loyalists, sacking more than nine ministers with close ties to his predecessor. David Lammy, Darren Jones, Rachel Reeves and Peter Kyle left the government, while others, including John Healey, suffered shock promotions.

Here, Independent It looks at the biggest winners and losers so far from today’s brutal change.

winners

John Healey

John Healey is the big winner from today’s reshuffle, taking home arguably the most important job in government – the bar chancellorship. The appointment of the former defense secretary as chancellor is a hugely surprising move by Andy Burnham and follows weeks of speculation that Shabana Mahmood or Ed Miliband could become chancellor.

Mr Healey left Sir Keir Starmer’s government over a dispute over defense spending. But he now holds the keys to the Treasury, which he has fiercely criticized for standing in the way of more funding for the British military. The move signals that Mr Burnham’s government will prioritize the British military and suggests No 10 will be in line with Mr Healey’s vision for defense spending.

Ed Miliband

Andy Burnham appointed Ed Miliband as foreign secretary, making him another big winner in today’s reshuffle. Although it’s not quite the chancellorship (a post he missed out on amid speculation that appointing him to the Treasury might spook markets), it is one of the state’s four major posts and represents a clear promotion for the left-wing energy minister.

Earlier this week, Independent Mr Burnham is planning a major reshuffle at the Foreign Office, which is expected to include a roadmap to get the UK back to spending 0.7 per cent of GDP on international aid and give Mr Miliband explicit permission to prioritize tackling climate targets through the department.

Louise Haigh

Louise Haigh, who was forced to resign as transport secretary a decade ago after it was revealed she had pleaded guilty to fraud, was reinstated in government as First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Cabinet Office Minister. This role places him at the heart of Mr Burnham’s government; This is no surprise given that Mr Burnham has been plotting his rise to power for the past year.

Angela Rayner

Nearly a year after being forced to resign over tax matters, Angela Rayner has returned to the front line of government as housing minister.

Once dubbed Labour’s Red Queen, she left the same post in Sir Keir Starmer’s cabinet last September, as well as stepping down as Labor Party deputy leader and deputy prime minister. The Ashton-under-Lyne MP has since been cleared of any wrongdoing by HMRC.

He was seen meeting Mr Burnham in Greater Manchester earlier this year; It was a sign that he was willing to back his bid for the No.10 spot. Ms Rayner, who describes herself as a socialist, supported Labour’s workers’ rights package in her previous cabinet role.

losers

Rachel Reeves

Rachel Reeves, who announced she would be leaving the government on Monday afternoon, was one of the biggest losers in today’s reshuffle. Ms. Reeves said in a post on social media that “it has been the privilege of my life to serve as chancellor.”

Although the former chancellor’s allies claimed he was offered a “big job” in government, he decided to reject the offer rather than face dismissal; but he is unlikely to be offered a post as important as chancellor.

Lord Hermer

Sir Keir Starmer’s attorney general Lord Richard Hermer, a key ally of the former Prime Minister, has confirmed Andy Burnham is leaving the Cabinet, saying he will support a Labor government from the backbenches.

Lord Hermer has a long-standing personal relationship with Sir Keir and the pair have worked together at Doughty Street Chambers since 1996.

But during the Starmer government he became a lightning rod for criticism, with the Conservative Party accusing him of conflict of interest over some of the clients he represented during his 20-year career as a lawyer. He has also been criticized by Labor insiders for allegedly obstructing legislative progress.

David Lammy

David Lammy, who was Sir Keir’s deputy prime minister, was, unsurprisingly, closely linked to the last government. Now he has paid the price for it and has become another victim of Mr Burnham’s purge of Starmer loyalists.

Darren Jones

Likewise, Starmer ally Darren Jones confirmed on Monday afternoon that Mr Burnham had called him to tell him he “will not be part of his new cabinet”.

Mr Jones’ sacking came as no surprise given he has close ties to Sir Keir and, as the prime minister’s principal secretary, was often sent to defend the government’s mistakes.

Steve Reed

Housing minister Steve Reed was one of the first to announce plans to quit the government, striking a blow at disloyalty under Starmer.

“Keir Starmer showed loyalty to me by appointing me to the Cabinet. I make no apology for repaying that loyalty. This is what is expected of working teams, and I hope those who did not show loyalty to Keir will now show it to you,” he said.

“I am proud that I acted with integrity every step of the way during the tumultuous last few months.”

Peter Kyle

It is understood former business minister Peter Kyle left the government on Monday and was sacked by Mr Burnham. Although loyal to the former prime minister, he was also seen as a powerful player in the government, meaning his dismissal was somewhat of a surprise.