THEY promised “out with the old and in with the new”, but Keir Starmer still playing five-a-side isn’t old, and Andy Burnham’s experience as a two-time secretary of state and mayor of a major British city isn’t entirely new either.

Furthermore, consider the cabinet composition: seven secretaries of state transitioned seamlessly – albeit to new jobs – and four more who resigned from Starmer’s cabinet (two in the last few months) were called up.

Adding the leader of Labour in the Lords, who sits at the cabinet table, means that 12 of the 23 ministers once belonged to Starmer’s government.

Burnham’s cull was confined to ultra-Starmerites – and a couple who got caught in the crossfire. They may now form a resentful faction which becomes a challenge for the new prime minister and his whips.

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This doesn’t mean it’s more of the same. There’s already noticeable differences in style, manoeuvrability, and empathy.

Frankly, Andy Burnham is the final gambit for this Labour administration. There won’t be a third attempt to fix British politics or Labour.

Burnham has already invigorated Labour MPs, peers, councillors, and membership. His confidence and self-belief are infectious, and some polls suggest even the electorate can sense the winds of change.

It sounds different, feels different and, more importantly, seems to resonate when people had stopped listening to Keir Starmer.

However, credit should be given where it’s due. Keir Starmer made Labour electable........

© The Irish News