Any politicians sacked from the UK government

Following the initial cabinet purge on 20 July 2026, Prime Minister Andy Burnham continued restructuring the government by abolishing the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) on 21 July 2026. This move resulted in the removal of Liz Kendall as Science Secretary, while Science Minister Patrick Vallance also resigned from the administration. The reshuffle has seen a significant number of Keir Starmer's former cabinet members replaced by Burnham loyalists as the new ministry takes shape.

• Liz Kendall removed as Science Secretary: On 21 July 2026, Liz Kendall left the government as Prime Minister Andy Burnham abolished the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), merging its responsibilities into the business department.
• Abolition of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: On 21 July 2026, the Burnham administration formally closed the dedicated science ministry (DSIT), transferring the science and innovation portfolio to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
• Patrick Vallance resigns as Science Minister: On 21 July 2026, it was confirmed that Patrick Vallance resigned his position as Science Minister for personal reasons amidst the wider government restructuring.
• Formalization of new Cabinet appointments: Between 21 July and 22 July 2026, the government formalized several key appointments, including Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper as Health Secretary, and Louise Haigh as First Secretary of State.

Following his appointment as Prime Minister on 20 July 2026, Andy Burnham conducted a significant cabinet reshuffle, removing several high-profile figures from the previous administration. Most notably, Rachel Reeves was sacked as Chancellor of the Exchequer, while Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Science Secretary Peter Kyle also departed the government as part of a wider 'purge' of Keir Starmer's loyalists.

• Rachel Reeves sacked as Chancellor: On 20 July 2026, new Prime Minister Andy Burnham removed Rachel Reeves from her position as Chancellor of the Exchequer, replacing her with John Healey.
• David Lammy and Peter Kyle depart government: On 20 July 2026, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle left the government following the appointment of the new Prime Minister.
• Andy Burnham appointed Prime Minister: On 20 July 2026, Andy Burnham was formally appointed Prime Minister by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, succeeding Keir Starmer.

No politicians were officially sacked from the UK government between 23 June and 10 July 2026. The administration remains in a caretaker state following Keir Starmer's resignation, with the formal process to appoint a successor now underway. Andy Burnham has emerged as the nearly certain next Prime Minister after securing 322 nominations from Labour MPs on the first day of the leadership contest.

• Labour leadership nominations open: On 9 July 2026, the formal process to replace Keir Starmer began as nominations for the Labour Party leadership officially opened following his resignation in June.
• Andy Burnham secures majority support: On 9 July 2026, Andy Burnham received 322 nominations from the 403 Labour MPs, far exceeding the 81 required to stand and effectively ensuring an uncontested path to the premiership.
• Expected date for new Prime Minister: Following the close of nominations on 16 July, Andy Burnham is expected to be formally confirmed as the new leader on 17 July 2026 and take office as Prime Minister on 20 July 2026. 📅 Calendar file (.ics) New Prime Minister expected to take office July 20, 2026

No politicians were officially sacked from the UK government between 16 June and 23 June 2026; however, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on 22 June 2026. This decision followed the return of Andy Burnham to Westminster after a by-election victory on 19 June, which brought the ongoing Labour leadership crisis to a head. Starmer will remain as a caretaker Prime Minister until a successor is elected later this summer.

• Keir Starmer resigns as Prime Minister: On 22 June 2026, Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party following weeks of internal pressure and ministerial resignations.
• Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election: Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was elected as the MP for Makerfield on 19 June 2026, a victory that was widely seen as the final catalyst for the challenge to Starmer's leadership.
• Labour leadership contest timeline: Following the Prime Minister's resignation, nominations for the new Labour leader are scheduled to open on 9 July 2026 and close on 16 July 2026. 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Labour leadership nominations open July 9, 2026