Lammy tipped for London as Burnham completes Cabinet reshuffle

David Lammy is being discussed as a potential candidate for Mayor of London after Andy Burnham declined to offer him a Cabinet position in the new government. GB News reports the former Foreign Secretary could challenge Sadiq Khan, whose term expires in 2028. The Daily Express carries speculation that Burnham has left the door open for a mayoral run rather than a return to Westminster.

The reshuffle follows Burnham's appointment of Ed Miliband to an expanded energy brief with powers spanning both national infrastructure and devolution. The Express describes it as a "power grab" - though every ministerial appointment is exactly that by definition. Miliband's new remit covers the energy transition, industrial strategy, and coordination with devolved assemblies on grid infrastructure and planning.

Separately, the Express reports that Burnham has been presented with a blueprint for rejoining the European single market through a proposed "European Confederation" - a framework that would preserve sovereignty while restoring economic alignment. The document's provenance and the government's stance on it remain unclear. No official response has been issued.

Lammy served as Foreign Secretary under the previous Labour government until Burnham's reshuffle. His tenure saw the opening of negotiations on Hormuz and the continuation of UK support for Ukraine. Whether he will pursue the mayoralty, return to the backbenches, or take another role remains to be announced. The next London election is in May 2028.