Burnham says he is 'finalising' cabinet ahead of becoming PM on Monday

Burnham says he is 'finalising' cabinet ahead of becoming PM on MondayImage source, Getty ImagesByJames GregoryPolitical reporterPublished17 July 2026, 13:29 BSTUpdated 17 minutes agoAndy Burnham said he had still not decided who will be in his cabinet ahead of him taking over from Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister on Monday.Asked why he had not announced his top team, the new Labour leader said: "It would be somewhat premature and would, I think, cause complete chaos if you start half a reshuffle before you're in the position."There has been widespread speculation about Burnham's cabinet picks, with Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood thought to be in the running to replace Rachel Reeves as chancellor.In an earlier speech after becoming party leader, the former mayor of Greater Manchester outlined his vision for government including reforms to the social care system.Andy Burnham says 'I am ready' in first speech as Labour leader Burnham promises big change - but offers few clues on how he will deliver itPublished2 hours agoThe MP for Makerfield cemented his status as the sole leadership candidate after being backed by 379 Labour MPs, as well as all 11 trade unions affiliated to the party, earlier this week.He will take over from Sir Keir as prime minister on Monday, following a reception with King Charles III.Asked by reporters about who will be in his cabinet, Burnham said: "I am finalising those decisions, and I will come to conclusions very shortly, and then I will announce those on Monday."In his first speech as Labour leader at the TUC headquarters in central London, he said his appointments for cabinet would reflect "all parts of our party" and "all communities".He said his government would give "hope back" to working-class communities who the political class had "turned its back on", reiterating his plan to devolve power away from Westminster to the regions. Devolution has...