Rachel Reeves has been sacked as Chancellor in a significant purge of allies of former leader Sir Keir Starmer from Prime Minister Andy Burnham's new Cabinet. Reeves becomes the most high-profile casualty of Burnham's push for a new direction, following weeks of speculation about her position.
Reeves was reportedly offered a less senior role, including the possibility of becoming Defence Secretary, but declined the offer. She will now join Starmer and other ousted ministers on the Labour backbenches. Starmer departed Downing Street on Monday.
Reeves defended her tenure as Chancellor, stating on social media that the economy was "stronger, fairer and more resilient" due to the Labour government's actions over the past two years. She highlighted restored stability, delivered investment, and initiated economic reforms, asserting that the lives of ordinary working-class people had improved.
However, Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride criticized Reeves's legacy, calling it one of "wholesale mismanagement of our economy and leaving us with more challenges."
Among the other departures is former Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, a close ally of Starmer. Lammy indicated he had hoped to remain in Cabinet but acknowledged a new Prime Minister's prerogative to build their own team. He wished Burnham and the new Cabinet success.
Steve Reed, who served as Communities Secretary and is also a London MP, departed with a pointed remark to Burnham regarding the events that led to Starmer's ousting. Reed wrote that he had received loyalty from Starmer and expressed hope that those who did not demonstrate loyalty to Starmer would now show it to Burnham. He also emphasized his integrity throughout recent political turbulence and voiced concern that Burnham's focus on northern England might disadvantage Londoners, vowing to fight for fair treatment for the capital.
Sir Keir's longtime associate Lord Hermer was removed as Attorney General. Nick Timothy, Shadow Justice Secretary, commented that Hermer's departure was overdue, citing his role in the Chagos Islands issue and actions concerning Northern Ireland veterans.
Liz Kendall was dismissed as Science and Technology Secretary, noting her work in challenging Elon Musk and implementing a social media ban for under-16s. Darren Jones, described as Starmer's right-hand man, also confirmed he would not be part of Burnham's new Cabinet. Peter Kyle was sacked as Business Secretary, and Jo Stevens lost her position as Welsh Secretary.