Darren Jones has been told by Prime Minister Andy Burnham that he will not be included in the new cabinet and will return to the backbenches. Jones, MP for Bristol North West, previously served as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster after earlier Treasury roles. He highlighted achievements including two spending reviews that increased investment in schools and hospitals, work on national security and improvements to NHS waiting lists, while admitting he wants to see stronger economic growth. Jones said he will focus on constituency duties and wished the new government well.
Darren Jones Left Off Andy Burnham's New Cabinet — Returns to Backbenches
Darren Jones says he will continue representing Bristol North West [Reuters]
Darren Jones says he has been told by Prime Minister Andy Burnham that he "won't be a part of his new cabinet." The MP for Bristol North West, who served most recently as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, will return to the backbenches after a period in senior government roles.
From the campaign trail and the TV studios to the Treasury, No 10 and the Cabinet Office, it's been a privilege to be in the cabinet of a Labour government and to serve the country.
Jones briefly considered mounting a leadership challenge but decided not to proceed, clearing the way for Burnham to take office. In his public statement he reflected on his time in government and highlighted several policy areas he helped lead or coordinate.
Record in office
- Led two spending reviews that increased investment in schools and hospitals and restarted council house building as part of a wider 10-year Infrastructure Strategy.
- Played a role in coordinating national security and defence policy and in efforts to rebuild the UK's international reputation.
- Points to progress on NHS waiting lists, reductions in immigration numbers and pay increases for many workers, while acknowledging more must be done to boost economic growth.
First elected in 2017, Jones was seen as one of Labour's rising stars. Following Labour's 2024 election victory, Sir Keir Starmer appointed him Chief Secretary to the Treasury; in September 2025 he was promoted to Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster after a cabinet reshuffle.
The wider reshuffle under Prime Minister Burnham has seen around a dozen ministers closely associated with Sir Keir Starmer, including former Chancellor Rachel Reeves and ex-Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, make way for Burnham's new team.
Jones, now 39, said he wishes the new government every success and intends to continue representing Bristol North West from the backbenches, with more time to focus on constituency matters.
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