The entry of Andy Burnham MP (Makerfield/Labour) into Number 10 has been followed today by a slew of new government appointments. These are his hard hitters for a round of straightening and tightening in Civil Service realms.
But such is the quick turnaround for his assumptive power base that Burnham is using a landslide under Starmer to put together his first team in office.
John Healey MP (Rawmarsh and Conisbrough/Labour) has become Chancellor of the Exchequer, an historic position of state that allows him a wide remit if he actually wants it. No doubt he’s chomping at the bit to get started. He wanted more money for defence. Maybe now someone else will get it.
Another interesting bit of news is that Shabana Mahmood MP (Birmingham Ladywood/Labour) will remain as Home Secretary. This is proving to be a long spell in the limelight for her. Her stamp is going to be well and truly put on that place.
The Prime Minister is looking for a strong start. He will hope for months to turn into years. His ambitions rest on this first Cabinet out.
Finally, I note here that Yvette Cooper MP (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley/Labour) has maintained her top flight position and moved over to the Department of Health and Social Care. A big job. It has a large brief at the present time.
How this is going to work out matters more on the new incumbent than before. His vision is to make politics local again, but in Labour terms this means infighting. He’s keen, but he’s got to lead from the front.