Andy Burnham Drops David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Steve Reed In First Cabinet Shake-Up

Published 20 July 2026 · india

Andy Burnham Drops David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Steve Reed In First Cabinet Shake-Up Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 20:54 IST Calling it "the

Andy Burnham Drops David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Steve Reed In First Cabinet Shake-Up Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 20:54 IST Calling it "the greatest privilege" of his life to serve in govt, Lammy said a new PM was "entitled to build his own team" and wished Burnham and his Cabinet every success. British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy stand among government ministers and staff members outside 10 Downing Street on the day of the transfer of power from outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Labour leader Andy Burnham, in London. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Monday began reshaping the British government, dropping several high-profile Cabinet ministers including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Environment Secretary Steve Reed as he unveiled his first top team after taking office. The departures mark Burnham’s first major Cabinet shake-up after replacing Keir Starmer as prime minister, with more ministerial appointments expected in the coming days. Lammy announced his exit in a statement on X, describing it as “the greatest privilege" of his life to serve in government and saying he respected Burnham’s decision to appoint his own Cabinet. “I would have been proud to continue serving in Cabinet.

But a new Prime Minister is entitled to build his own team, and I wish Andy Burnham and the new Cabinet every success," Lammy wrote. The Tottenham MP said he would continue serving his constituents, support the Labour government from the backbenches and work to ensure Labour defeats Reform UK at the next general election. Reflecting on his time in government, Lammy highlighted his work as foreign secretary, justice secretary and Britain’s first Black deputy prime minister. He said he had helped rebuild Britain’s ties with European allies after Brexit, backed Ukraine during the war with Russia, strengthened partnerships with India and Gulf nations, and played a leading role in Britain’s recognition of the State of Palestine. He also pointed to reforms introduced during his tenure at the Ministry of Justice, including investment in courts and prisons, greater use of artificial intelligence across the department and efforts to diversify the judiciary. Chancellor Rachel Reeves also confirmed her departure on X, calling it “the privilege of my life" to serve as Chancellor of the Exchequer. “The economy today is stronger, fairer and more resilient because of the choices we have taken as a Labour Government over the past two years," Reeves wrote. She wished Burnham, her successor and the new Cabinet “the very best of luck", adding that she would continue supporting the Labour government.