Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed a new cabinet with a significant emphasis on representation from Northern constituencies, a move backbenchers have dubbed the 'march of the Northern Queens.' This new leadership team features more ministers from northern seats than southern ones, aiming to shift power away from London.
However, the composition of Burnham's top team has drawn attention for its educational backgrounds. The cabinet includes a notable increase in ministers who attended private schools and obtained degrees from Oxford or Cambridge universities compared to the previous administration under Sir Keir Starmer. According to the Sutton Trust, nearly a quarter of Burnham's cabinet attended private schools, a stark contrast to the general population, where only about 6 percent do. Similarly, over half of his top ministers are Oxbridge graduates, significantly higher than the 29 percent in Starmer's cabinet and the 1 percent of the general population educated at those institutions.
Some appointments have also faced scrutiny. Louise Haigh, appointed First Secretary of State, has been identified as a convicted fraudster. Angela Rayner, who was reappointed to the housing brief, previously resigned from government after failing to pay £40,000 in stamp duty on her £800,000 flat. Education Secretary Lucy Powell has also faced controversy for her past remarks dismissing the grooming gang scandal as a 'dog whistle' issue. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds previously apologized for misrepresenting his work experience as a solicitor.
The geographical center of power within the new cabinet appears to have shifted north, with calculations placing it between Sheffield and Knowsley in Merseyside. The cabinet includes 14 members from northern constituencies, with four from the Midlands, four from London, two from the South, three from Wales, and one from Scotland. Despite the emphasis on Northern representation, the cabinet also features several women in prominent roles, though only Shabana Mahmood holds a great office of state as Home Secretary.
Backbenchers have lauded the appointments, with one MP celebrating the 'band of strong, Northern power women' joining the government. The 'Manchester Mafia,' a group of Burnham's allies, have been rewarded with significant positions within the new administration. Despite the focus on Northern talent, several ministers come from families with long-standing political ties to the Labour party, including siblings, spouses, and parents who have held or currently hold positions in government or Parliament.