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Burnham Forms First Female-Majority UK Cabinet, Announces Energy VAT Cut

7/21/2026

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History

Burnham Appoints Historic Cabinet

Prime Minister Andy Burnham appointed 23 cabinet ministers, including 12 women, on his first day in office at 10 Downing Street on 20 July 2026.
The cabinet is the first in UK history where women outnumber men.
Louise Haigh became First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Burnham announced a VAT cut on energy bills to begin on 1 October 2026.

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Burnham Appoints Cabinet

Prime Minister Andy Burnham appointed 23 cabinet ministers, including 12 women, at 10 Downing Street on 20 July 2026.
Ed Miliband’s appointment as Foreign Secretary signals a likely shift toward a more pro-Gaza foreign policy.
Shabana Mahmood remained Home Secretary, keeping control of immigration and policing reforms.
Yvette Cooper moved to Health and Social Care, tasked with reforming the adult care system.

History

Historical Context

The 1997 UK general election on 1 May 1997 saw Labour under Tony Blair win a 177-seat majority, while women MPs rose from 60 to 120, with 101 Labour women (22 % of the Commons). It also ended an 18-year Conservative rule, cutting their seats to 165. That breakthrough created a lasting benchmark for gender-balanced cabinets.

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Burnham Appoints Historic Cabinet

Prime Minister Andy Burnham appointed 23 cabinet ministers, including 12 women, on his first day in office at 10 Downing Street on 20 July 2026.
The cabinet is the first in UK history where women outnumber men.
Louise Haigh became First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Burnham announced a VAT cut on energy bills to begin on 1 October 2026.

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