Allies of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reacted with scepticism and mixed emotions following the recent cabinet reshuffle under incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, characterising the changes as deeply factional despite claims to the contrary.
More than half of the outgoing cabinet experienced either removal or demotion during Burnham’s initial reshuffle, prompting some Starmer supporters to question the motivations behind the moves. One source described the reshuffle as “deeply factional,” dismissing the suggestion that it was intended to unify the party. Another former official noted that while new leaders often make promises to various factions, the decision to oust several highly regarded ministers was unexpected.
Others offered a more measured perspective, acknowledging that it is common for a new prime minister to bring in their own team. They also pointed to the considerate manner in which the changes were communicated, with Burnham personally contacting outgoing ministers and offering their special advisers opportunities to discuss their future roles with Alison Phillips, Burnham’s deputy chief of staff.
The general mood among the outgoing team has been reflective rather than resentful, with about a month since Starmer announced his resignation and Burnham’s succession. On Monday evening, Starmer joined Chancellor Rachel Reeves and departing No 10 officials at a north London pub, where the atmosphere was described as “jovial, but with more than a hint of anger.” One source depicted the group as “a family, bonded through fire,” recognising the difficulty of the transition but also expressing optimism about leaving the country in a “better place.”
Key points of contention focused on accusations of retribution against ministers seen as loyal to Starmer. For instance, Nick Thomas-Symonds, the dismissed Cabinet Office minister, and Bridget Phillipson, who was stripped of her education portfolio but retained as equalities minister, were regarded by some as diligent and discreet supporters. In contrast, figures such as Wes Streeting and John Healey, who had resigned to undermine Starmer’s leadership, appeared to have been promoted to senior posts, raising concerns about the message conveyed to party members.
An outgoing official commented that the reshuffle seemed less like a purge of Starmer loyalists and more like the removal of individuals loyal to the Labour leader while rewarding those considered persistently disloyal—a situation described as “a dangerous message to send your MPs.” Another source criticised the handling of some departures as “not fantastic,” highlighting the perceived harshness toward figures like Thomas-Symonds.
Additional unease was expressed regarding gender representation in the new cabinet. Notably, only one of the four great offices of state is now held by a woman, a drop from three in the previous cabinet.
Despite these criticisms, several insiders accepted the realities of political life. One source remarked that the role comes with an inherent understanding that it is not a job for life and acknowledged the privilege of serving during a Labour government, which they noted “don’t come around very often.”