Starmer allies see ‘hint of retribution’ in Burnham reshuffle

Former PM’s supporters question pledge to end factional infighting after more than half his cabinet removed or demoted Allies of Keir Starmer have questioned Andy Burnham’s pledge to end factional infighting after he removed or demoted more than half of the outgoing prime minister’s cabinet in his first reshuffle. “This was a deeply factional cabinet reshuffle,” one said. “The idea it was anything else is ridiculous.” Another former official said: “Becoming leader of a party involves having to promise things to a lot of different people, and you can see that in some appointments. What was surprising was the decision to get rid of so many impressive people.” Others were more phlegmatic, saying it was obvious that a new PM would want to bring in his own people and that the change was handled sensitively, with outgoing ministers being called directly by Burnham. Their special advisers – who usually go when their boss does – have also been given a chance to discuss their future with Alison Phillips, Burnham’s deputy chief of staff. The overall mood for the outgoing team has tended to be more reflective than bitter, after they had a month to digest Starmer’s de