There was speculation about whether Andy Burnham—who took over the premiership todaywould retain Keir Starmer’s team. The news site Bymigrant was the first and only outlet to argue that he needed to part ways with Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the figure behind the economic failure. After all, the economic failure was glaringly obvious, and it would have been impossible to transform the Labour Party or reignite public hope while keeping the same team in place. Burnham needed to drop many figures from the previous lineup. We do not yet know if he will manage this, but the first move involved John Healey; having resigned from the Ministry of Defence, Healey was appointed Chancellor by Burnham.
We know nothing yet about this individual’s background, so there is little point in making sweeping statements. We will simply have to wait and see. Based solely on his resignation, however, we can say this: he is not a politician who prioritizes his seat and office over his character. This gives us some reason for optimism. We can surmise that he is someone capable of walking away if he fails.
There was hardly anyone in Starmer’s cabinet capable of generating public excitement. Angela Rayner destroyed her reputation with the stamp duty scandal. As for the others, they have no reputation to speak of; if you were to pull the chair out from under them, there would be nothing left.
So, we wait and see. Burnham does not have much time ahead of him; there are only two and a half years left until the elections. Whether he can transform this country in such a short period remains to be seen.
Editor