Andy Burnham’s recent cabinet reshuffle has laid bare the deep divisions within the Labour Party, as tensions between supporters of the new leader and those loyal to his predecessor, Keir Starmer, quickly resurfaced. The reshuffle, which saw 11 cabinet ministers dismissed—many of whom had publicly backed Starmer—has sparked criticism from some sitting MPs and intensified factional disputes.

Steve Reed, the sacked housing secretary, expressed his frustration openly in his resignation letter, urging Burnham that those who had previously not shown loyalty to Starmer should now demonstrate allegiance to the new leader. Reed emphasized his own integrity throughout recent party challenges, suggesting that not all colleagues had done the same. This internal strife stands in contrast to Burnham’s vow during his acceptance speech last Friday to “eradicate” factionalism and the “insidious briefing culture” that has plagued Labour.

Despite these efforts, divisions remain pronounced, with one former cabinet minister reportedly “livid” over his dismissal and attributing his ousting to damaging leaks aimed at undermining rivals. Party insiders describe Burnham’s swift actions as harsh, with critics dubbing the reshuffle as the “night of the long eyelashes.”

Central to Burnham’s early policy moves is a VAT cut on electricity bills intended to ease the cost of living for families. However, this measure has drawn skepticism. Darren Jones, who previously oversaw the now-scrapped government digital ID program, criticized the VAT cut for being unfunded and poorly targeted, as it disproportionately benefits higher electricity consumers and offers only short-term relief. Jones also questioned the financial logic of Burnham’s broader “new economic model,” noting persistent fiscal gaps.

Similarly, Burnham’s initiative to tackle rough sleeping, touted as funded through “uncommitted MHCLG budgets,” is also viewed as lacking clear financial backing. Critics argue that promises to find necessary funds for such social programs may prove optimistic amid competing demands.

Amid the reshuffle, Burnham appointed John Healey as chancellor, a decision broadly seen as judicious. Healey is regarded as a capable and fiscally cautious minister with a reputation for non-factionalism, which may help stabilize party dynamics. Removing Ed Miliband from the energy secretary role was another significant change. Miliband’s successor, Miatta Fahnbulleh, is a Miliband ally but Burnham’s reshuffle provides some room to adjust policies linked to net-zero goals that have contributed to rising costs for households.

Burnham’s remarks before taking office, distancing himself from Starmer’s departure due to not yet being sworn in as an MP at the time, were criticized as evasive. Meanwhile, his initial pledge to consult and empower all party members now contrasts with the reality of lingering factional disputes, suggesting that Labour’s internal cohesion remains fragile in the early days of his leadership.