Leading Christians in the Labour Party have a seat at the Cabinet table, as part of Andy Burnham's top team. 

The new Prime Minister grew up as an altar boy in the Catholic Church. Burnham said he does not regularly attend mass but still professes faith, in an interview with The Times published on Sunday.

Jonathan Reynolds has been appointed Secretary of State Business, Innovation, ​Science and Trade, in a newly-expanded department. Describing himself as a “Christian socialist”, he was chair of Christians on the Left for nine years. 

Wes Streeting returns to Cabinet as Defence Secretary. In a 2023 interview with Premier Christianity, he described himself as a “practising Christian,” saying: “I always describe myself as a practising Christian, but not very good at it.” He has spoken about reconciling faith with his sexuality, and how growing up with Christian principles shaped his sense of public service. 

Sir Chris Bryant is a former Church of England vicar, but left ordained ministry after six years in 1992 over the Church’s position on same-sex relationships. He joins the Cabinet to take on the Northern Ireland brief. 

This article will be updated as Burnham announces further ministerial appointments.