UK’s PM-in-waiting Burnham to keep Mahmood as Home Secretary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has unveiled his first Cabinet, keeping Shabana Mahmood in her role as Home Secretary despite speculation that she could be appointed Chancellor.

Before the Cabinet announcement, several media reports suggested Mahmood was among the leading candidates to head the Treasury. However, Burnham instead appointed John Healey as Chancellor, while Mahmood retained responsibility for the Home Office.

Mahmood was first appointed Home Secretary under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer and has overseen immigration, policing and domestic security policies. Her decision to remain in the role signals continuity in the government’s approach to home affairs.

The Birmingham MP is regarded as one of Labour’s most experienced senior politicians. A former barrister, she previously served in several frontbench positions before joining the Cabinet. She also played a key role in Labour’s 2024 general election campaign and later served as Justice Secretary before becoming Home Secretary.

Burnham’s Cabinet combines experienced ministers with several new appointments as he seeks to unite different factions of the Labour Party following his leadership victory. While some senior figures from the previous government have left Cabinet, Mahmood is among those who have retained their positions in the new administration.

The announcement confirms that, despite earlier reports linking her with the Treasury, Mahmood will continue leading the Home Office as one of the most senior members of Burnham’s government.