Labour’s last chance saloon? Burnham’s new Cabinet faces familiar parliamentary problems - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 152
23 Jul 2026
A new Prime Minister. A new Cabinet. But will it be enough to revive Labour's fortunes? We assess what Andy Burnham's ministerial appointments mean for Parliament, from the formidable task facing the new Chief Whip to the knock-on effects for select committees. Professor Jon Davis of King’s College London joins us to explain the wider changes to Whitehall and the machinery of government. And as Parliament heads into its summer recess, we recommend some of the best political books to keep you company over the holidays. Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Acast · YouTube · Other apps · RSS
Andy Burnham has unveiled his ministerial team. So, we assess what his appointments reveal about the Government’s priorities, the political calculations behind them, and the parliamentary tests that lie ahead.
We begin with the appointment of the new Chief Whip, Anneliese Midgley MP, who takes on one of Westminster’s toughest jobs despite having just two years’ parliamentary experience and no experience on the front bench.
We also consider the return of familiar faces to Cabinet, the promotion of newer MPs, the creation of a Cabinet-level role for artificial intelligence, and the implications of the reshuffle for select committees, the House of Lords and the Opposition front benches.
Andy Burnham has also reorganised the machinery of government. Professor Jon Davis, Professor of Government at King’s College London, joins us to explain why changes to Whitehall departments matter, how they shape decision-making at the heart of government, and why reorganising government can have consequences that last long after individual ministers have moved on.
With Parliament now in summer recess, Ruth and Mark also recommend a selection of political books to keep you entertained over the holidays – whether you’re heading for the beach, relaxing in the garden or simply taking shelter from the latest heatwave.
Although Parliament is taking a break, Parliament Matters isn't. Keep an eye on your podcast feed throughout August for several special episodes. Unless Parliament is recalled or major political developments demand an emergency edition, we'll return with our regular weekly analysis when Parliament reconvenes in September.
Professor Jon Davis
Professor Jon Davis
Jon Davis is Director of the Strand Group at King's College London. His research and work focuses on the contemporary history of British central government. He is also a lecturer and co-ordinator of postgraduate modules focused on Prime Ministers, No. 10 Downing Street, and the Treasury. Before joining King’s, Professor Davis spent a total of eighteen years at Queen Mary, University of London, and rose to be Director of the Mile End Group (2004-14), overseeing more than 100 increasingly high-profile events over more than a decade. Professor Davis also worked for five years in investment banking, and spent a year in the Modernising Government Secretariat of the Cabinet Office.
No. 10 Downing Street, Ministerial Appointments: July 2026
House of Lords Written Ministerial Statements, Machinery of Government Changes, 21 July 2026
Hansard Society, What happens to Select Committees when Government Departments change?, 24 April 2023
Hansard Society, How are Select Committee Chairs elected?, 16 May 2023
A transcript of the episode will be added here tomorrow.
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