Andy Burnham names John Healey as chancellor in first day reshuffle
Britain’s new prime minister moved quickly to install a fresh top team, putting John Healey in charge of the Treasury and shifting other senior posts.
Andy Burnham began his first full day as UK prime minister on Monday by appointing John Healey as chancellor, according to BBC Politics and other reports. He also named Ed Miliband as foreign secretary and Wes Streeting as defence secretary as he set out his new government.
Healey, a Labour veteran and former defence secretary, now takes control of the public finances after leaving the defence brief last month, the BBC said. His appointment comes as Burnham faces immediate questions over how he will fund his pledges.
The new prime minister has told his cabinet to look at all available options to address the cost of living crisis, according to The Guardian. Among the measures under discussion are removing VAT from electricity bills and increasing defence spending.
Burnham took office on Monday after becoming Britain’s seventh leader in a decade, and his early moves have been watched closely for signs of how he plans to govern. The reshuffle marks the start of his administration’s first week in power.
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