A New Government at Westminster, implications for Culture and Scotland

There is now a new Prime Minister and Government in Westminster. Following Keir Starmer's resignation, Andy Burnham was confirmed as the UK's Prime Minister and has now announced his first Cabinet.

Amid the wider reshuffle, two appointments of particular relevance for culture and Scotland have stayed put.

Lisa Nandy remains Culture Secretary. Nandy has led the Department for Culture, Media and Sport since Labour's 2024 election win, and keeps the role under Burnham. Continuity in ministerial positions is widely seen as beneficial. Of particular relevance is the currently open consultation on the future of National Lottery funding. In time, the change in Govt may impact on the future of this consultation and work to change the National Lottery fund - we'll continue to monitor this.

Douglas Alexander remains Secretary of State for Scotland. Alexander, MP for Lothian East, took up the Scotland Office role in September 2025 and has been confirmed in post by the new Prime Minister. He previously held the same position in 2006-07.

Reactions and analysis to the new PM and Government continue to be published. On day one of Burnam’s time on the job, this comment piece from the Institute for Fiscal Studies provides a useful overview of some of the key wider issues.