Who Is Deputy Prime Minister? 2026 Cabinet Update

The question “who is deputy prime minister?” has a new answer in July 2026. Following the general election, Prime Minister Andy Burnham held his first cabinet meeting and told his ministers “we need to be a cost of living government,” according to the BBC. The reshuffle that followed has changed the shape of the UK’s second-highest ministerial office.

David Lammy, who served as deputy prime minister under the previous Labour government, has left the government, as reported by WTVB. His departure opens the role at a time when Burnham is signalling a sharp pivot toward household economics — including the removal of VAT from household electricity bills starting in October 2026.

What the Deputy Prime Minister Does

The deputy prime minister is the second-highest ranking minister in the UK government. The role is constitutionally significant because the holder often deputises for the prime minister at Prime Minister’s Questions, chairs cabinet meetings when the PM is absent, and coordinates cross-departmental policy. It is not a fixed constitutional office — it exists at the prime minister’s discretion — but in practice it signals the PM’s second-in-command.

Under Burnham, the role carries added weight because the new cabinet is being described as a “cost of living government.” The deputy PM will likely be central to delivering that agenda, which includes the VAT cut on electricity and other measures not yet detailed in the sources.

Who Is in the New Cabinet?

Burnham’s first cabinet includes several notable appointments. Wes Streeting has been named to the top UK defence role, according to Politico. Hamish Falconer has been appointed the UK’s new Brexit minister, also reported by Politico. Jonathan Reynolds holds a senior economic role, though sources do not specify his exact title.

The Guardian reported on Burnham’s first Labour cabinet, detailing who is in and who is out. The BBC confirmed that Burnham held his first cabinet meeting in July 2026 and that he announced the VAT removal on household electricity bills.

Why the Deputy PM Role Matters Now

The deputy prime minister’s office becomes more visible when a new government sets its direction. Burnham’s emphasis on cost-of-living priorities means the deputy PM will likely lead on domestic policy coordination. The departure of David Lammy — a high-profile figure who previously served as foreign secretary — also signals a break with the prior administration’s foreign-policy focus.

Burnham’s first cabinet meeting, held at No. 10 North, was described by the prime minister as “not a gimmick,” according to Politico. The location underscores his commitment to governing from outside Westminster, a theme that may shape the deputy PM’s own portfolio.

Who Is Not the Deputy PM

It is worth clarifying who is not the deputy prime minister. Angela Rayner, who held the role under previous Labour leaders, is not confirmed in the new cabinet by any of the provided sources. John Healey, the former defence secretary, also does not appear in Burnham’s cabinet according to the available reporting. The sources do not confirm Jonathan Reynolds as deputy PM, so that claim should be avoided.

The only confirmed deputy PM in the source material is David Lammy, and he has left the government. At the time of writing, no source has named Lammy’s successor. The role may be filled by a senior figure from the new cabinet, but that remains unconfirmed.

What This Means for UK Politics

The deputy PM vacancy is one of several open questions in Burnham’s government. The new cabinet includes a defence secretary (Streeting) and a Brexit minister (Falconer), but the second-in-command slot is unfilled in the public record. This could change quickly as Burnham finalises his team.

The broader political context is a government that wants to be seen as focused on household finances. The VAT removal on electricity bills is a concrete early move. The deputy PM, once appointed, will be expected to drive that agenda across Whitehall.

Key Takeaways

• David Lammy has left the government as deputy PM.
• Andy Burnham held his first cabinet meeting in July 2026 and told ministers “we need to be a cost of living government.”
• VAT will be removed from household electricity bills from October 2026.
• Wes Streeting is the new defence secretary; Hamish Falconer is the new Brexit minister.
• No successor to Lammy has been confirmed in the sources.

The question “who is deputy prime minister?” will have a clearer answer once Burnham announces the appointment. For now, the role is open, the cabinet is set, and the government’s direction is clear: cost of living first.