'It has been a great privilege': Leeds MP Hillary Benn leaves cabinet in Andy Burnham reshuffle

Hillary Benn has announced he is leaving his role as Northern Ireland Secretary as new Prime Minister Andy Burnham unveils his cabinet.

Benn has represented Leeds South, formerly Leeds Central, since 1999 and was appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in 2024 by Sir Keir Starmer.

In a statement on social media platform X, Mr Benn said the new Prime Minister will have his full support as he returns to the backbenches.

He said: “It has been a great privilege to serve as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and to work with the many wonderful people I have met over the last 2 years.

“I wish my successor all the very best in working with the Executive to protect stability, continuing to generate growth and investment and in taking forward the Troubles Bill which is so important for so many families.

“The Prime Minister will have my full support from the backbenches.”

Earlier today, Leeds West and Pudsey MP Rachel Reeves revealed she had been axed as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

“It has been the privilege of my life to serve as the Chancellor of the Exchequer,” she said in a statement.

“The economy today is stronger, fairer and more resilient because of the choices we have taken as a Labour Government over the past two years.

“Stability restored, investment delivered and reform to our economy under way.”

She continued: “I said when I was appointed Chancellor that I would judge my time in office by whether the lives of ordinary working class people had been improved. I’m proud to say that they have.

“And to every young woman and girl, let my time in office show there should be no ceilings on your ambitions, your hopes or your dreams.

“I wish the very best of luck to my successor, Andy, and his cabinet. You have my full support and I will continue to play my part in helping this Labour Government deliver the change the country needs.”

Mr Burnham is announcing his new cabinet on Monday evening.