Angela Rayner has returned as Housing Secretary in new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Cabinet.

Burnham officially became Prime Minister yesterday and is now putting his first Cabinet together, with Rayner’s appointment confirmed late last night.

Rayner, also previously Deputy Prime Minister, had played a key role in the Government’s housing policy such as the Renters’ Rights Act before resigning last year after failing to pay enough tax on a property purchase.

It comes after Steve Reed left the role of Housing Secretary yesterday.

In a letter to Burnham, published on X, Reed said he was “disappointed to be leaving government.”

Reed’s said he made “no apology” for staying loyal to Keir Starmer but wished Burnham and his new team every success.

He was appointed Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 5 September 2025.

Leasehold reforms

Reed listed several achievements that he has been proud of during the past year, including planning and leasehold reforms as well as the Renters’ Rights Act.

He says: “Labour governments do not come often, they face pressures and hostilities that their counterparts never do. But they are the single best vehicle we have for improving the lives of British working people.

“If they fail, it is not politicians who suffers, it is those who need us the most. I will do everything in my power to ensure you succeed.”

Stability restored, investment delivered and reform to our economy under way.”

Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been replaced by John Healey.

A post on X from Reeves says: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The economy today is stronger, fairer and more resilient because of the choices we have taken as a Labour Government over the past two years.

“Stability restored, investment delivered and reform to our economy under way. I said when I was appointed Chancellor that I would judge my time in office if the lives ordinary working class people have been improved. I’m proud to say that they have.

“And to every young woman and girl let my time in office show there should be no ceilings on your ambitions, your hopes or your dreams. I wish the very best of luck to my successor, Andy and his cabinet. You have my full support, and I will continue to play my part in helping this Labour government deliver the change the country needs.”