Rayner returns as Communities Secretary under Burnham

Angela Rayner has returned to the role of Communities and Housing Secretary for a second time as part of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first cabinet.

The former deputy leader built up close relations with communal leaders when she previously held the post from July 2024 until she resigned in September 2025 following the discovery that she had underpaid stamp duty on an apartment in Hove.

Now she replaces outgoing Steve Reed as Secretary of State. Like Reed, she has shown a willingness to stand with the community during a time of extreme anti-Jewish hatred.

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Attending a Board of Deputies Chanukah event in December 2024, she said: “I want to reassure you that the Government stands with you in your fight against antisemitism. What we’ve seen in Amsterdam and in Melbourne in recent weeks reminds us of the need for vigilance, and above all, for action.

“We will do everything in our power to protect you and make sure that those who commit antisemitic hate crimes will feel the full force of the law. I will never allow antisemitism to go unchallenged. I welcome the Board of Deputies’ Commission on Antisemitism, and I will work with you on the recommendations.”

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Rayner has engaged directly with Jewish community representatives and leadership, including visiting synagogues such as the Heaton Park Synagogue, the site of a Yom Kippur terrorist attack, to show solidarity.

In recent weeks she also visited the Nova Exhibition in London, and spoke of experiencing the horror of the October 7 Hamas attack through the experience.

In further cabinet changes, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting was confirmed as new Defence Secretary after meeting Burnham at No.10 on Monday evening.

The former Health Secretary had resigned from Keir Starmer’s government, but failed to mount a leadership challenge to Burnham as was initially expected.

Former Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has been appointed Health Secretary and Pat McFadden will remain as Work and Pensions Secretary, Downing Street has announced.

It was also confirmed that Lisa Nandy will remain as Culture Secretary.

Bridget Phillipson has lost her job as Education Secretary to Burnham loyalist Lucy Powell.

Phillipson was reappointed as Minister for Women and Equalities.

Louise Haigh, a key ally of Mr Burnham who was instrumental in getting him into No 10, has been made First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, giving her a role as a fixer across government.

Jonathan Reynolds has been appointed as Business Secretary with a beefed-up portfolio that included science and innovation.

Dame Angela Eagle said she felt “great” after being appointed Environment Secretary.

She left Downing Street on Monday evening with the newly appointed Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh.

The new Prime Minister spoke to Donald Trump within an hour of taking office, highlighting the importance of the transatlantic partnership “from day one”, according to the British embassy in Washington.

The diplomatic mission’s post on X also said the two leaders had “agreed to remain in close contact”.

It said: “Within an hour of taking office, Prime Minister Andy Burnham… spoke with President Donald Trump, underscoring the importance of the UK/US partnership from day one.

“The leaders discussed shared priorities and agreed to remain in close contact.”