Andy Burnham, the new leader of the Labour Party, has made his first set of ministerial appointments. This move has divided opinions among both his supporters and those who previously supported Jeremy Corbyn, also known as Starmerites [1]. Some Labour members have expressed delight at seeing their preferred candidates in key roles, while others feel let down by Burnham's choices. For instance, one supporter praised the appointment of a former cabinet minister to a crucial position, highlighting how this shows Burnham is committed to continuity and stability. However, another Starmerite criticized the appointments as being too focused on past Labour policies rather than embracing new ideas [1]. The reactions have also varied among those who were previously critical of Burnham's leadership but now support him. Some welcomed his decision to appoint a former cabinet minister, believing it will strengthen Labour’s position in government. Others expressed disappointment that these appointments do not include figures from their preferred wing of the party. [2] The Guardian (2026-08-01 17:45) Headline: Andy Burnham's Cabinet Appointments Spark Debate Excerpt: While some Labour supporters are pleased with the new ministers, others feel Burnham has not fully embraced his mandate to change the party. URL: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/aug/01/andy-burnhams-cabinet-appointments-spark-debate BODY: Andy Burnham's first set of ministerial appointments has sparked a debate within Labour. While some supporters are pleased with his choices, others feel he hasn't fully embraced the mandate to change the party [2]. One supporter noted that Burnham has appointed former cabinet members, indicating an attempt at continuity and stability. However, another critic pointed out that these appointments do not include figures from their preferred wing of the party. They argue that Burnham should have focused more on bringing in new faces who can bring fresh ideas to Labour [2]. Some supporters also praised the appointment of a former cabinet minister as a sign of commitment to stability and continuity, but others felt this was insufficient given the need for change within the party.