The new prime minister, Andy Burnham, has confirmed that Wigan MP Lisa Nandy will continue in her role as secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport following his appointment of a reshaped cabinet.
Continuity for Wigan in a changing cabinet
Ms Nandy has held the culture brief since 2024 when she was appointed by Sir Keir Starmer. Her retention under Mr Burnham maintains a direct ministerial link between Wigan and the new administration; her Wigan constituency borders the prime minister’s Makerfield seat.
The announcement formed part of one of Mr Burnham’s first tasks after taking office. Several other senior Labour figures were also placed in prominent roles as the cabinet was restructured.
- Sir John Healey — appointed chancellor of the exchequer
- Ed Miliband — appointed foreign secretary
- Yvette Cooper — now holds the health brief
- Angela Rayner — named housing secretary
- Wes Streeting — announced as defence secretary
- Louise Haigh — made first secretary of state and chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
- Pat McFadden — retained as work and pensions secretary
- Heidi Alexander and Shabana Mahmood — retained as transport and home secretaries respectively
Roles and relationships
The reshuffle reflects Mr Burnham’s early priorities and the network of allies around him. Ms Nandy is described as a close ally of the prime minister. The cabinet includes figures who remain from the previous Starmer government and some who have shifted portfolios.
"Ms Nandy is a close ally of the new prime minister and her constituency borders Mr Burnham’s in Makerfield."
One notable appointment is Louise Haigh, given a cross-government remit as first secretary of state and chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, a role described as enabling her to act as a fixer across departments. The return of Pat McFadden to his previous brief offers further continuity in areas affecting welfare and employment policy.
Local implications
For residents in Wigan, Ms Nandy’s continued cabinet role means the town retains a nationally prominent voice within Whitehall on cultural and digital matters. That may preserve advocacy opportunities for local cultural, media and digital projects seeking ministerial attention. Her continued presence in a senior post also maintains a direct line from Wigan to the centre of government at a moment of wider ministerial change.
| Position | Appointee |
|---|---|
| Culture, media & sport | Lisa Nandy (Wigan) |
| Chancellor | Sir John Healey |
| Foreign Secretary | Ed Miliband |
| Health | Yvette Cooper |
| Defence | Wes Streeting |
The full composition of Mr Burnham’s cabinet signals both continuity and change. For Wigan residents, the immediate consequence is the retention of a constituency MP in a senior ministerial office, enabling continued representation at the highest levels of government.
