Andy Burnham has so far given no public indication of who will sit in his first Cabinet after the transition from Sir Keir Starmer, but speculation in Westminster has focussed on several senior Labour figures whose appointments would signal the new government's priorities.
Key contenders for the top jobs
Among the names circulating are Ed Miliband, currently Energy Secretary, who is widely tipped as a potential successor to Rachel Reeves at the Treasury. Observers say appointing Mr Miliband would be a sign that Mr Burnham intends to retain the broad thrust of the energy and net zero agenda pursued under Sir Keir.
Reports suggest Mr Miliband might be prepared to alter his stance on North Sea drilling — including previously opposing projects such as the Jackdaw oil and gas field — to secure the chancellor's role. Such a shift would be politically sensitive given ongoing concerns about energy costs and the public debate over net zero policies.
Shabana Mahmood is also thought to be in contention for Home Secretary, though sources say she may wish to remain at the Home Office to continue implementing recent asylum changes. Her record on the reforms and on individual cases has been noted as a factor in considerations about continuity and stability at the Home Office.
Continuity or change at the Foreign Office and Treasury
Senior figures including Yvette Cooper have been mentioned in speculation about moves between the Treasury and Foreign Office. Ms Cooper has recently set out positions on issues such as global regulation of artificial intelligence, and could represent a continuity candidate should Mr Burnham wish to maintain Sir Keir's foreign policy course — including strong commitments to Nato, the nuclear deterrent and support for Ukraine.
There has also been discussion of whether the outgoing prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, might be considered for a high-profile role given his foreign policy focus while in office, though reports regard that as unlikely.
- Ed Miliband — Energy Secretary; linked with Treasury (chancellor) in speculation
- Shabana Mahmood — Possible continuity at the Home Office, linked to asylum reforms
- Yvette Cooper — Discussed for Treasury or Foreign Office; seen as a continuity candidate
| Post | Potential candidate(s) |
|---|---|
| Chancellor | Ed Miliband |
| Home Secretary | Shabana Mahmood |
| Foreign Secretary | Yvette Cooper / Sir Keir Starmer (rumoured) |
For Surrey residents, the composition of Mr Burnham's Cabinet matters because ministerial choices will influence national policy areas that affect local services and household costs — notably energy policy, immigration and foreign policy commitments that can have local economic and community impacts.
Mr Burnham's eventual appointments will indicate whether his administration intends to prioritise continuity with Sir Keir's agenda or to steer Labour in a distinct direction on issues such as the delivery of net zero, North Sea development and the practical implementation of asylum changes.
The new prime minister has so far made no public announcements about his selections. Further reporting will follow as names are formally proposed and portfolios confirmed.
