Andy Burnham Appoints Jonathan Reynolds as Business Secretary, Angela Rayner Returns as Housing Secretary

LONDON: British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has unveiled key appointments to his new Cabinet, naming Jonathan Reynolds as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade while bringing Angela Rayner back to government as Housing Secretary, as he begins reshaping his administration following his appointment as prime minister.

Reynolds returns to lead the expanded business portfolio after previously serving as business secretary before a cabinet reshuffle under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer. His new responsibilities include overseeing business, innovation, science and trade as the government seeks to stimulate economic growth and strengthen Britain’s competitiveness.

Angela Rayner has been appointed Housing Secretary, marking her return to frontline government after stepping down last year following an investigation into an underpayment of tax linked to a property purchase. She was subsequently cleared of any deliberate wrongdoing regarding her tax affairs, paving the way for her political comeback.

The appointments form part of Prime Minister Burnham’s broader Cabinet reshuffle aimed at assembling an experienced team to address key domestic priorities, including economic growth, housing, public services and regional development. The new administration has pledged to tackle the cost-of-living crisis while pursuing reforms to improve governance and public confidence.

Burnham, who succeeded Keir Starmer as Britain’s prime minister, has signaled that his government will focus on boosting investment, increasing housing supply and delivering long-term structural reforms to strengthen the country’s economy and public services.