Angela Rayner is poised for a major political comeback as the likely Health Secretary under new Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with a £18 billion social care overhaul as her key task. The article details the expected cabinet appointments, the accelerated social care review, and the broader implications of Burnham's incoming government.
Angela Rayner is reportedly set for a significant political return under new Labour leader Andy Burnham, who was elected unopposed and is poised to become Prime Minister. ray is tipped to become the new Health Secretary, a senior cabinet role, despite her recent resignation as Deputy Prime Minister over a £40,000 stamp duty non-payment issue.
Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, is expected to prioritize a major policy push with social care reform as a centerpiece. Rayner, a former care worker, would lead the overhaul of England's social care system, backed by an earmarked £18 billion to establish a national care service. Baroness Casey of Blackstock is leading a review into the social care system, originally due in 2028, but Burnham has requested accelerated recommendations by year-end to form the backbone of the reforms.
This potential appointment marks a remarkable political comeback for Rayner after she stepped down following an inquiry that found she inadvertently breached the ministerial code by not seeking proper tax advice. Sources told the Daily Telegraph that Burnham's inner circle is lining her up to spearhead the care overhaul.
Meanwhile, speculation about Burnham's full cabinet continues. Current Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was initially seen as a likely Chancellor, but Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has emerged as a late front-runner for the top economic role. Other expected returns include Jonathan Reynolds as Business Secretary and Louise Haigh as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. There is also significant chatter about David Miliband, the former Foreign Secretary, making a dramatic return to government, possibly as Foreign Secretary again.
To facilitate a quick return, Burnham could potentially appoint him to the House of Lords, similar to Rishi Sunak's move with Lord Cameron. From the 2024 intake, Burnham ally Anneliese Midgley is likely to become chief whip, and economist Miatta Fahnbulleh, who was an early critic of Sir Keir Starmer, could lead the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Burnham will announce his full cabinet on Monday. The leadership transition follows Labour's electoral success.
Burnham has stated his cabinet will 'reflect all parts of our party,' aiming for unity and experience. His victory speech emphasized a policy blitz, with social care reform being a flagship initiative. The £18 billion funding pledge signals a major shift towards a national care service, a long-standing goal in UK social policy. The accelerated review by Baroness Casey is crucial, as it will provide the strategic framework for Rayner's responsibilities.
The potential return of David Miliband, a seasoned diplomat, would bring considerable foreign policy gravitas to the new administration. The speculated roles for Mahmood and Reynolds indicate a focus on economic and business policy continuity amidst change. Midgley's chief whip appointment would reward loyalty, while Fahnbulleh's elevation suggests a desire to incorporate fresh, economic-focused voices. All these moves are being watched closely for signs of Burnham's governing priorities and his approach to balancing the party's factions.
The swift timeline, with the cabinet announcement on Monday, underscores the urgency with which Burnham intends to govern, flipping from opposition to executive power almost immediately after his election as leader
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