Andy Burnham latest: John Healey named as chancellor in cabinet reshuffle as Miliband and Mahmood in Number 10

Nick Thomas-Symonds has said he will leave his post as the EU relations minister and paymaster general.

In a letter to prime minister Andy Burnham, he said: “I will support the new team of ministers from the backbenches and continue to serve the people of my home constituency of Torfaen, who, as always, remain my top priority.”

Millie Cooke, political correspondent, reports

John Healey has been appointed as Andy Burnham’s chancellor, Downing Street has announced.

It is a shocking move from from the new prime minister, and follows weeks of speculation that either Shabana Mahmood or Ed Miliband could be chancellor.

Mr Healey, who resigned from Sir Keir Starmer’s government in a row over defence spending, has wide support in the Labour Party after gaining respect as defence secretary – and his appointment shows Mr Burnham’s commitment to bolstering Britain’s defence.

John Healey, formerly defence minister, will be chancellor, Downing Street has announced.

Yvette Cooper has arrived at 10 Downing Street, suggesting another senior job in the new government.

She joins John Healey, Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband, who are all inside No 10.

Andy Burnham has vowed to end decades of failure by eradicating rough sleeping and overhauling social care, promising in his first speech as prime minister that his arrival in Downing Street will be a “circuit breaker” moment for Britain.

The new prime minister, speaking outside No 10 after a trip to Buckingham Palace to accept an invitation from King Charles to form a government, warned politicians “needed to raise their game” and be better, insisting he would “make Britain believe and hope again” by winning over fed-up voters.

He reiterated his promise to move power outside of Westminster and said he would set out a 10-year plan later this year, adding: “Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again.”

Andy Burnham has spoken to the president of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen has revealed.

She shared on social media that she had enjoyed “a very good first discussion with” the new prime minister.

“We are both committed to bringing the EU and the UK closer and closer. Together, we will work towards a successful Summit that delivers for our businesses, our young people and our shared security.

“And we will continue our excellent cooperation in support of Ukraine. Europe is stronger when the EU and the UK work side by side.”

Millie Cooke, political correspondent, reports:

Hillary Benn has been sacked as Northern Ireland secretary, saying he wishes his successor “all the very best”.

“It has been a great privilege to serve as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and to work with the many wonderful people I have met over the last 2 years”, he said.

“I wish my successor all the very best in working with the Executive to protect stability, continuing to generate growth and investment and in taking forward the Troubles Bill which is so important for so many families.”

Posting to social media, he added: “The prime minister will have my full support from the backbenches”.

Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Andy Burnham’s assurance that the UK’s support for Ukraine would remain strong.

After speaking with the prime minister, the Ukrainian president wrote on X: “I was happy to speak with Andy Burnham and congratulate him on taking office as prime minister of the United Kingdom.

“I truly appreciate that the support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast. Thank you for your warm words of respect for the Ukrainian people and for your condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in Russia’s recent attacks.

“Ukraine and the United Kingdom have built the strongest partnership in the history of relations between our two countries, and we will certainly continue working to expand it even further.

“We agreed to discuss our future cooperation, including our work within the Anti-Ballistic Coalition, during a meeting in the near future. Thank you, Andy. Thank you, Britain!”

Foreign office minister Baroness Jenny Chapman of Darlington said she is leaving the government, as she said cutting the aid budget had been “challenging” and required “much soul searching”.

Lady Chapman, who held a brief that covered international development and Latin America, said she would “always” be proud to have served in Sir Keir Starmer’s government.

She said: “It’s been a great honour to serve as international development minister, and in Keir Starmer’s cabinet.

“I’m disappointed to be leaving but wish the prime minister and his new team every success.“Cutting the aid budget has been challenging and has required much soul searching, but I passionately believe thanks to the work we’ve done, we’re spending the money better than ever before.

“We have a modern strategy and approach, working in partnership with developing countries rather than in a paternalistic way, and keeping strong commitments on global health and humanitarian aid.”

She added: “The UK is once again a force for good internationally.”

Millie Cooke, political correspondent, reports:

Burnham ally Louise Haigh is walking into Downing Street, suggesting the former transport secretary is getting a senior job in the new government.

She joins John Healey, Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband, who are all inside No 10.