Now he controls the coffers — and insists he’s “burning with a passion” for the Treasury.
Wes Streeting
Wes Streeting had long been seen as coveting the top job. So when he quit as health secretary in May, criticizing the government’s “drift” and lack of “vision,” many expected a rapid bid to replace the prime minister himself.
Streeting’s allies claimed he had the backing of 81 Labour MPs necessary to launch a challenge to Starmer — but a few weeks later he announced he would back Burnham to become Labour leader and prime minister.
There were questions then over what deal had been done to secure Streeting’s support. He has now been appointed defense secretary, a promotion from his old gig and a chance, like Miliband, to project globally.
Louise Haigh
A key architect of Burnham’s ascension, Louise Haigh had somewhat of an ax to grind against Starmer — and she wielded it masterfully.
Haigh was briefly transport secretary under the former prime minister, but resigned following revelations that she had pleaded guilty to a fraud offense more than a decade ago. Allies said at the time that Starmer was aware of these details before her appointment.