WITH the prospect of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister looking more and more likely after Keir Starmer's resignation, questions are starting to mount regarding who will make up his potential cabinet.
Let’s take a look at the top contenders:
Wes Streeting
Until recently, Wes Streeting was himself considered a potential successor to Keir Starmer. However, he confirmed on Monday morning that he would not stand in a leadership contest and instead threw his support behind Burnham.
Given Streeting's well-known leadership ambitions, some Westminster observers have suggested that Streeting’s endorsement of Burnham is evidence that a deal that has been struck in order to guarantee Streeting a prominent cabinet position.
Streeting released a statement today in support of Burnham and made particular reference to the economic state of the country. It has been suggested that this economic focus may be evidence of an ambition to replace Rachel Reeves as Chancellor.
Ed Miliband
The former Labour leader is regarded as one of Burnham's closest political allies and has frequently been mentioned as a potential Chancellor.
As the current Energy Secretary, Miliband shares much of Burnham's broader political outlook, although there are likely to be areas of disagreement. Most notably, Miliband remains firmly opposed to issuing new North Sea oil and gas licences,
Angela Rayner
Angela Rayner was among the most outspoken critics of Keir Starmer following Labour's disastrous local election results in May, warning that the Prime Minister had one "last chance" to turn things around.
While she has long been talked about as a potential future Labour leader, she was forced to step down from her role as Deputy Prime Minister over tax controversies. She has since been cleared of wrongdoing by HMRC and is therefore likely to make a return to the cabinet.
Allies of Rayner indicate that she would like to be named either Deputy Prime Minister or Foreign Secretary.
Shabana Mahmood
As Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood has attracted criticism from Labour's left over her tough stance on immigration.
Her proposal to double the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain was described by Angela Rayner as "un-British". Nevertheless, Burnham has expressed support for Mahmood's tougher approach to immigration, making her one of the most likely ministers to remain in her current role.
Louise Haigh
Louise Haigh served as Burnham's chief strategist during his successful Makerfield by-election campaign and has frequently been described by those around him as one of his closest political allies.
Leader of Labour's soft-left Tribune group, Haigh has been consistently critical of Starmer's leadership and is viewed by many insiders as almost certain to secure a senior cabinet role. Some believe she could become Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister or hold another influential position at the heart of government.
Josh Simons
Simons vacated his Makerfield seat in order to make way for Burnham to stand and it is widely expected that he will be rewarded with some kind of position in a Burnham No 10.
Announcing his decision, Simons said: "I am standing aside so that Andy Burnham can return to his home, fight to re-enter Parliament, and, if elected, drive the change our country is crying out for."
Politically, Simons is difficult to categorise. He previously worked for Jeremy Corbyn before later leading a pro-Starmer think tank, eventually resigning from that role amid misconduct allegations.
Clive Lewis
Clive Lewis has been one of Burnham's strongest supporters in Parliament, even publicly offering to stand aside to allow the former Manchester Mayor to return to Westminster last year.
Lewis sits firmly on the left of the party and is known for his support for environmental and constitutional reform. Despite his public support for Burnham, insiders say it isn’t clear that this will be reciprocated with a cabinet position.
John McDonnell
Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell may be an outside bet, but he has publicly welcomed Burnham's return.
Following the Makerfield by-election, he told LBC: "Makerfield was a tremendous victory because it stopped Reform in its tracks. The progressive Left united to defeat the divisive politics of the Right. The next step is to re-establish the broad church of the Labour Party."
His close association with Jeremy Corbyn's leadership may ultimately count against him, but his experience means he cannot be entirely ruled out.
Rachel Reeves
It is widely understood that Reeves will be removed from her position as chancellor of the exchequer, following her close association with Starmer's government.
However, Reeves and Burnham have maintained a cordial relationship for many years. Reeves introduced Burnham during his 2015 Labour leadership campaign, and rather than leaving government altogether, she could instead be moved into another senior cabinet post.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
Miatta Fahnbulleh became the first minister to resign from Starmer's government following Labour's heavy local election defeat.
The former Communities minister is seen as part of Labour's soft left and is understood to have been involved in developing policy proposals for Burnham ahead of any leadership bid. Those links have fuelled speculation that she could return to government under a Burnham administration.
Lucy Powell
Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell has long been regarded as a Burnham ally, despite keeping a relatively low profile during criticism of Starmer.
She is widely expected to feature prominently in any Burnham cabinet, with some suggesting she could even return as Deputy Prime Minister.
Heidi Alexander
Current Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander was one of Starmer's most loyal cabinet supporters. Despite that, she is understood to enjoy a good relationship with Burnham and is expected to back his leadership bid with many expecting her to be given a cabinet position.
Anneliese Midgley
Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley played a central role in organising Burnham's Makerfield by-election campaign and is regarded as one of his most trusted political organisers.
Although relatively new to Westminster, she is already being discussed as a potential Chief Whip or Political Secretary should Burnham enter Downing Street.
John Healey
John Healey's resignation as defence secretary following a row over defence spending was one of the final blows to Keir Starmer's premiership. Despite his dramatic exit, a return to cabinet under Andy Burnham cannot be ruled out.
Healey remains a respected figure on Labour's right and his return to the cabinet could serve as an effective signal of Burnham's determination to unite the party.
Keir Starmer
Last but certainly not least, Keir Starmer may be stepping down as Prime Minister, but that does not necessarily mean his cabinet career is over.
While Burnham may decide to draw a clear line under the Starmer era by leaving him out of government altogether, there is also a case for offering his predecessor a cabinet role in the interests of presenting a show of party unity.
