Politics Home Article | Burnham Sacks Starmer Loyalists From Cabinet

Rachel Reeves has been sacked as Chancellor. (Alamy)

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Reeves has left government along with David Lammy, who was Starmer’s deputy prime minister, as well as Steve Reed and Peter Kyle, who were the communities and business secretaries respectively.

Lord Hermer, who was a staunch defender of Starmer throughout his premiership, has also been removed as attorney general.

All were close allies of Starmer, who formally resigned as prime minister on Monday to make way for Burnham.

The new PM will appoint his first cabinet on Monday, with allies Angela Rayner, Lou Haigh and Lucy Powell all expected to be given senior ministerial positions.

In a statement on X, Reeves, who was the first female chancellor, said: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve as the 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. 

“Stability restored, investment delivered and reform to our economy under way. I said when I was appointed Chancellor that I would judge my time in office if the lives [of] ordinary working class people have been improved. I’m proud to say that they have.

“And to every young woman and girl, let my time in office show there should be no ceilings on your ambitions, your hopes or your dreams.

“I wish the very best of luck to my successor, Andy and his cabinet. You have my full support, and I will continue to play my part in helping this Labour government deliver the change the country needs.”

Reed was the first to announce his departure on Monday as Burnham entered No 10, saying he wishes the new administration “every success”.

However, in his resignation letter, Reed appeared to swipe at Labour MPs who helped force Starmer out, writing: “Keir Starmer showed loyalty to me by appointing me to his Cabinet. I make no apology for returning that loyalty. I make no apology for returning that loyalty. It’s what is expected of functioning teams, and I hope those who did not show loyalty to Keir will now show it to you.”

Lammy, who was justice secretary as well as deputy prime minister, posted on X: “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.”

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