Burnham has begun to assemble his cabinet, making John Healey his chancellor in an appointment that has taken Westminster by surprise.

Rachel Reeves had already confirmed she would be leaving the role and would not be serving in Burnham’s government, after turning down the offer of another cabinet job.

In other top moves, former energy secretary Ed Miliband has been promoted to foreign secretary, with Shabana Mahmood reappointed home secretary.

Louise Haigh, a key ally who oversaw his preparations for No 10, is expected to be put in charge of the Cabinet Office and appointed first secretary of state.

A host of cabinet ministers in the Starmer government have confirmed they are leaving their jobs, including Peter Kyle, David Lammy and Richard Hermer.