Birmingham MP Al Carns has declined a position in Prime Minister Andy Burnham's new government, while Jess Phillips has been excluded from the ministerial lineup. Carns, who represents Birmingham Selly Oak, resigned as armed forces minister last month, a move that hastened Keir Starmer's resignation and paved the way for Burnham's ascent. He rejected an offer to serve as an assistant whip under Chief Whip Annelise Midgley, stating that the defence funding issue that prompted his resignation remains unresolved.
Carns Stands Firm on Defence Funding
In a post on X, Carns explained his decision: "I resigned in June because I did not believe the defence funding on the table was adequate for the threats this country faces. I said so publicly and I still stand by every word. I've always said I would serve where I am asked. In normal circumstances, that is exactly what I would do, but the argument I resigned over has not yet been settled. To take another role now, in another department, would suggest that it has. Until the country is spending what it needs to spend on its own defence, my job is to keep making that case, honestly and constructively, from the backbenches."
Carns had previously resigned as armed forces minister, citing inadequate defence funding. He expressed doubts that Prime Minister Burnham or Chancellor John Healey, his former boss and fellow resignee, would prioritise the significant funding increase he believes is necessary.
Jess Phillips Left Out of Government
Jess Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley, was one of the first to quit Starmer's government in May, resigning as safeguarding minister. Her scathing resignation letter sparked further departures and criticism of Starmer. Despite publicly backing Wes Streeting for the leadership and only belatedly supporting Burnham, Phillips was not included in the list of new appointments released on Wednesday night.
Other Birmingham MPs Affected
Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, lost her junior minister role in the Department of Health and Social Care. A Starmer loyalist, she tweeted that serving in his government had been a privilege and praised those championing innovation and safety in the health service, highlighting Birmingham's 'world class' potential.
Meanwhile, two Birmingham MPs elected in 2024 received promotions: Laurence Turner (Birmingham Northfield) and Sarah Coombes (West Bromwich). Coombes has championed road safety and served as parliamentary private secretary to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Turner, a lifelong Labour activist and trade unionist, has advocated for SEND reform and been a vocal critic of the far right.
Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham Ladywood) and Pat McFadden (Wolverhampton South East) retained their high-profile cabinet roles as Home Secretary and Work and Pensions Secretary, respectively.
