Oxfordshire politicians to Andy Burnham as Prime Minister

Following the exit of Keir Starmer, the new leader headed to Number 10 on Monday, July 20, announcing a raft of changes to his top team in a cabinet reshuffle.

On Tuesday (July 21), he made policy announcements saying he will be heading a “cost-of-living Government” – taking VAT off household electricity bills from October 1.

Politicians charged with representing the people of Oxfordshire, on Westminster’s benches both behind and in opposition to Burnham, have shared statements on how they think he is doing so far.

East Oxford MP Anneliese Dodds (Labour) said: “Andy’s been very clear that our politics need a circuit breaker because political power has become too centralised and economic power has been privatised, with people in communities up and down the country wanting change.”

She added that he has “taken immediate action to support people who are struggling, following his announcement of No 10 North which marks a big change in how government works”.

File image of Anneliese Dodds MP (Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)

Ms Dodds said: “He’s right that politics has to do better to serve the British people, and I’m pleased he’s already showing how it can, just hours into his premiership.”

The East Oxford MP had stood down from her development minister post in the Starmer administration over cuts to aid spending.

While cabinet posts have been announced, more ministerial appointments are set to be announced in coming days.

Whether Ms Dodds, or fellow Labour MP for Banbury, Sean Woodcock, are offered or accept a post is yet to be confirmed.

Mr Woodcock had previously described Keir Starmer’s departure as a mistake and he held the post of a Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Cabinet Office in the last week of the Starmer Government.

Oxford West and Abingdon MP, Layla Moran (Lib Dem) is chair of a committee which scrutinises the Government on health and social care.

She said: “I stand ready to work cross-party with Andy Burnham and the Government to make social care reform a reality and look forward to discussing these issues with the new Secretary of State at an early stage.”

Layla Moran MP (Image: File)

She has been “pleased” about new Health Secretary Yvette Cooper’s statement on the urgency of maternity services and social care improvements, describing their importance for Oxfordshire and the country.

Ms Moran said: “You cannot achieve reform of the NHS while side-lining social care.”

Witney’s MP Charlie Maynard (Lib Dem) was less pleased about the appointment of John Healey as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

On social media, he said: “I thought John Healey made a good defence secretary and I respect the fact that he resigned when the Treasury would not fund the country’s stated defence goals.

“However, Healey has never worked in business, or at least per his Wikipedia page, even in the private sector, ever.”

Charlie Maynard MP beside Windrsuh (Image: Contributed)

The Conservatives do not have an MP in Oxfordshire.

County Conservative leader Liam Walker said: “Regardless of political differences, we all want to see the Prime Minister succeed because when the Government succeeds, our country succeeds.

“After a difficult few years, the priority now must be getting Britain back on its feet.”

He hopes to see a focus on “economic growth, creating opportunities for businesses to invest, and getting unemployment under control”

Councillor Liam Walker (Image: Liam Walker)

Mr Walker added “it is vital” for Government to work closely with local councils amid local government reorganisation.