Taoiseach in 'good discussion' with new UK Prime Minister

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said that he had a 'very warm and constructive discussion' with new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in their first phone call since Mr Burnham took office. He made sweeping changes to his cabinet, starting with the appointment of John Healey as the new chancellor to succeed Rachel Reeves. A raft of major figures from the Starmer era joined Ms Reeves in leaving government, including ex-deputy prime minister David Lammy, former attorney general Richard Hermer and former housing secretary Steve Reed. Mr Burnham has told ministers he will lead a 'cost-of-living government' after announcing an £850 million tax cut on electricity bills. From 1 October, electricity bills will be VAT-free, saving households around £45-a-year. Darren Jones, a key ally of Keir Starmer who lost his Cabinet post yesterday, said the policy was 'unfunded.' Yesterday, in his first address as prime minister, Mr Burnham pledged the biggest change to British politics in 40 years, and said he would deliver 'a new political model and a new economic model' for Britain. Ed Miliband was appointed Foreign Secretary, and Shabana Mahmood remains as Home Secretary, while Wes Streeting became the new Defence Secretary, and Angela Rayner returned to government as Housing Secretary. In a post on X, Micheal Martin said: 'Great to speak to new UK PM Andy Burnham this morning. Very good discussion on the positive relationship and cooperation between Ireland and the UK.' In a Truth Social post, Mr Trump said he and the new prime minister had a 'very good conversation,' adding: 'The Prime Minister has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the U.S.A. will be there to help!'