Rigorous castling: Burnham combines left and right wings

The new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham But he is well aware that the window for convincing the British is narrow. And so on Tuesday morning he announced a first measure that is intended to give the British more “financial leeway”: from October, VAT will be removed from electricity bills.

Of course, this isn’t all that groundbreaking. Back in January, then Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Finance Minister Rachel Reeves promised to cut the equivalent of 175 euros from electricity bills. In addition, the new finance minister must John Healey still explain how exactly the tax relief will be financed.

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Meanwhile, a familiar face is back to implement the promised new community housing. Less than two months later Angela Rayner was acquitted of all accusations of tax avoidance (she had not paid the stamp duty on a second home), the left-leaning politician is back in charge of the housing portfolio.

The one who moved from the Foreign Ministry to the Ministry of Health and is politically experienced Yvette Cooper has, in turn, the mammoth task of reforming social care, reducing waiting lists and enabling Britons to live the “good” and “more preventative” life promised by Burnham.

One of the few Starmer allies succeeded Shabana Mahmoodto keep her top job as Interior Minister. Burnham is probably hoping her strong approach to migration can stand up to Nigel Farage’s polemics.

Tightrope act

But special caution is not only required in domestic politics. Just a few days ago, US President Donald Trump said he knew little about Burnham; until recently, Burnham was just the “mayor of a city.” Probably to the relief of Downing Street, Trump called the conversation with Burnham “very good” less than half an hour after his appointment. They will meet together “in the near future” to discuss common interests.

Britain’s new Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband could make communication more difficult again. According to the Daily Telegraph, the White House warned against his occupation. Miliband’s focus on green energy clashes with Trump’s agenda.

And also Wes Streeting as the new defense minister raises eyebrows. Streeting – a former health minister and short-term bidder for the prime ministership – has recently spoken out in favor of the idea of ​​”war bonds” to raise money and the cancellation of outdated military programs, but has not yet held any foreign office.

In order to fill any gaps in knowledge, there is currently little time for ministers to breathe.