Afternoon Empire with Ian Collins

Author: Talk

Join Ian Collins on Talk for a lively, no-nonsense look at the days biggest stories, from politics and current affairs to culture and entertainment. Ian dives deep with expert guests, outspoken commentators, and compelling callers, bringing fresh angles and sharp analysis to everything making headlines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Burnham’s New Cabinet: Built to Win?
Tuesday, 21 July, 2026

Charlie Rowley sits in for Ian Collins.Andy Burnham’s cabinet: Built to win or to fail? On his first full day as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has unveiled a dramatically reshaped Cabinet, appointing John Healey as Chancellor, Wes Streeting as Defence Secretary, bringing Angela Rayner back into government after her resignation over a tax scandal, and handing senior roles to key allies as he promises the biggest political changes in decades.Sam Lister, Associate Editor at the Express, assesses Burnham’s new top team, the political winners and losers, and whether the Prime Minister has assembled a Cabinet capable of delivering his ambitious agenda or one that risks deepening divisions within Labour.Economist Professor Jonathan Portes examines the economic challenges facing the new Chancellor, with UK public debt nearing £3 trillion and difficult decisions looming over borrowing, spending and the possibility of future tax rises.Former Conservative Defence Minister Sir Gerald Howarth gives his verdict on Wes Streeting’s appointment as Defence Secretary, asking whether he has the experience to oversee Britain’s armed forces at a time of growing international instability.Finally, James Heale, Deputy Political Editor at The Spectator, analyses Burnham’s sweeping Cabinet reshuffle, the return of Angela Rayner, the appointment of John Healey as Chancellor and whether this is a government built for long-term success or political turmoil.Andy Burnham, Cabinet reshuffle, John Healey, Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, Chancellor, public debt, tax rises, Labour government and British politics. Has Burnham built a Cabinet to win or one destined to fail? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.