Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed former Labour leader Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, marking a significant shift in the UK government as he moves to consolidate power and pivot the party toward a more left-leaning policy agenda. The appointment was confirmed on Monday during a sweeping cabinet reshuffle that saw the departure of several prominent loyalists to former leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Miliband, who previously served as Energy Secretary, assumes the Foreign Office role at a time of geopolitical volatility. Upon his appointment, he stated that he would carry the values of “democracy, the rule of law and freedom” into his work, citing his family’s history as Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. His brother, David Miliband, also served as Foreign Secretary under Gordon Brown from 2007 to 2010.
The reshuffle saw the removal of several Starmer-era ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who have returned to the backbenches. John Healey has been named the new Chancellor, while Wes Streeting takes over as Defence Secretary. Burnham has signaled a departure from his predecessor’s approach to Europe, with his office confirming that he has already held initial discussions with European Council President António Costa to explore closer UK-EU relations, specifically targeting a future summit.