David Baines appointed parliamentary private secretary by Prime Minister Andy Burnham

David Baines, MP for St Helens North, has been named one of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Parliamentary Private Secretaries, a move that tightens the new premier’s links to the North West.

Why the appointment matters now

The PPS role is traditionally the first rung on the ministerial ladder, giving backbench MPs daily access to the prime minister’s office and the chance to shape policy implementation. Baines’s selection comes after Burnham’s first weeks in office, during which he rolled out a series of high‑profile measures – scrapping VAT on electricity, reinstating a £2 bus fare cap, cutting business rates for hospitality venues by 20 % and unveiling a new No 10 North in Manchester. By placing a loyal North‑West ally at his side, Burnham not only rewards a long‑standing supporter but also anchors his agenda in a region that helped deliver his victory.

Media additions

“It’s fair to say Andy Burnham has hit the ground running as our new Prime Minister: scrapping VAT on electricity bills, reintroducing the £2 bus cap for the whole country, announcing a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs, and music venues, and launching the brand new No10 North in Manchester.

“He’s also been making appointments to government and I am delighted to confirm I have been asked to serve as one of his Parliamentary Private Secretaries.

“I’m looking forward to assisting him in delivering the change St Helens North, our politics, and the country needs.”

David Baines, MP for St Helens North, via St Helens Star

From council chamber to No 10

Baines entered Parliament in 2024 after a career in local government, including a stint as leader of St Helens Council and deputy mayor of the Liverpool City Region. His close political relationship with Burnham dates back to the latter’s time as MP for Leigh and his tenure as Greater Manchester mayor. The two have appeared together at events ranging from the Magic Weekend rugby league festival to local election hustings, underscoring a partnership that now reaches the heart of Westminster.

In the context of Burnham’s broader reshuffle, three of Burnham’s new parliamentary private secretaries will now hail from that socialist grouping – the Sheffield Hallam MP Olivia Blake will be the PPS for local government, City of Durham’s Mary Kelly Foy at housing and Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr’s Steve Witherden at energy.

Burnham’s “one‑Labour” narrative

Speaking to The Guardian during the Makerfield byelection campaign, Burnham said he wanted to build a broad church frontbench.

“I do think the Labour movement has to draw on all parts of it when we’re in government. I remember Tony Blair’s most difficult days. Dennis Skinner would come out and rally the troops. I think we need to get back to that. I’m not a factional person.

“I’ve always been a Labour politician, that’s about unifying people, trying to be positive and working together. That’s my approach to politics. I think politics needs less division and less factionalism these days.”

Andy Burnham, Prime Minister, via The Guardian

In her letter to MPs announcing the new PPS appointments, Midgley said the prime minister intended to “build, relentlessly, a genuine culture of one Labour team”.

“Our aim has been to assemble a diverse and talented group of PPSs, bringing together a broad range of experience, expertise and perspectives to support ministers and help deliver the prime minister’s agenda.”

Anneliese Midgley, Chief Whip, via The Guardian

She said that PPSs would have “greater opportunities to undertake media and parliamentary activity, including on national policy, with the agreement of departmental media advisers, No 10 and in line with government policy”.

Backbench backlash

The reshuffle was not without dissent. Several MPs who lost their PPS posts voiced disappointment, highlighting the human cost of rapid turnover.

“It’s been extremely frustrating to see so many competent people unceremoniously sacked from government. This latest list showing sacked PPS’ makes me despair in particular because PPS‑ing is not a glamorous job and so many of these MPs just got on with it, put in the hours and would have been an asset to any Labour government. Not to mention that the first black woman ever to be PPS to a prime minister was removed.”

Tulip Siddiq, former minister, via The Guardian

Among those reportedly sidelined was Abena Oppong‑Asare, a former PPS to former leader Keir Starmer. Their removal underscores the speed at which Burnham is reshaping his support network.