Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister and names his cabinet
20.07.2026 [last updated 23:30, 20.07.2026]
Andy Burnham has been appointed Prime Minister and we welcome his Government’s ambition to re-industrialise Britain and support growth across every part of the country.
Manufacturers have a key role to play in delivering a stronger, more resilient economy, and we will continue to highlight the priorities needed to help the sector invest, grow, and remain competitive — from addressing business costs and energy challenges to tackling ongoing skills shortages.
This article will be updated with further commentary as cabinet appointments are confirmed and we continue to consider what the new Government’s approach means for UK manufacturers.
We congratulate Andy Burnham on becoming Prime Minister and look forward to working constructively with his government to support manufacturers and strengthen the UK economy.
“The Prime Minister’s ambition to re-industrialise Britain and seed good growth in every postcode is one that manufacturers will welcome and continue to play their part in delivering. The test now will be turning that ambition into action through implementation of the Industrial Strategy.
“Manufacturers need to see real, urgent progress on the issues that affect their ability to invest and grow. Tackling the high costs of doing business, from energy and business rates to staffing costs, alongside the skills shortages plaguing our sector, must be a top priority.
“The sector stands ready to play a central role in delivering the stronger, more prosperous and resilient economy that the new Government wants to build.
Furthermore, Make UK CEO Stephen Phipson CBE said:
On the appointment of John Healey as Chancellor:
"We congratulate John Healey on his appointment as Chancellor at a pivotal moment for the UK economy. Manufacturers will welcome the appointment of someone with a reputation for being pragmatic, focused on delivery and committed to making government work effectively.
"The Chancellor has a clear opportunity to put manufacturing at the heart of the Government's growth agenda. Industry does not need another plan, it needs the Industrial Strategy already in place to be delivered at pace, giving businesses the confidence to invest, grow and create high-quality jobs across the UK.
"We look forward to working with the Chancellor to tackle the issues that matter most to manufacturers: bringing down industrial energy costs and business rates, creating a tax and regulatory environment that rewards investment, and building the skills pipeline industry needs.
"With the right foundations in place, manufacturers will continue to invest, innovate and drive the good growth that will be central to the Government’s agenda."
On the re-appointment of Jonathan Reynolds as Business Secretary:
“We warmly welcome Jonny Reynolds’ re-appointment as Secretary of State for Business and Trade. Manufacturers know him well from his previous time in office and we look forward to working with him again. This is a very positive early decision by our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.
“Jonny’s commitment to the Industrial Strategy, which he played a central role in shaping, will be particularly welcomed by manufacturers. Having fought for more than a decade to secure one, the sector now wants to see it implemented at pace, providing the certainty businesses need to invest and grow.”
“Success will be measured by whether manufacturers see lower costs, fewer barriers to trade and a more competitive environment in which to invest, make and export with confidence. We stand ready to work with the Secretary of State to make this a reality.”
Jonny Reynolds (pictured) oversaw the publication of the Industrial Strategy
The other key announcements for manufacturers
Miatta Fahnbulleh appointed Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
She will play a key role in any efforts to reduce the energy cost burden facing businesses. Commenting, Make UK Director of Policy and Public Affairs Verity Davidge said:
“We congratulate Miatta Fahnbulleh on her appointment as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero at a pivotal moment for manufacturers. Energy costs remain one of the biggest barriers to investment, competitiveness and decarbonisation, and industry will want to see urgent action to bring bills closer to those faced by our international competitors.
“Manufacturers are ready to play their part in delivering the UK’s net zero ambitions, but they need a policy framework that supports investment rather than adding cost and uncertainty. Accelerating grid connections, reducing non-commodity costs and ensuring electricity prices are internationally competitive must be central priorities, alongside ensuring the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme is brought forward and widened to all manufacturers.
“We look forward to working with the new Secretary of State to ensure manufacturers can invest, grow and decarbonise here in the UK.”