The decision sees Alexander remain in one of the Government’s most senior roles, with responsibility for the Department for Transport, while changes have been made elsewhere across the ministerial team.
Her reappointment means Swindon continues to have a representative at the Cabinet table.
Alexander has served as Transport Secretary since November 2024, leading the department responsible for rail, roads, buses, aviation and active travel.
During her time in office, she has overseen work on rail reform, strategic road investment, local transport funding and major infrastructure programmes expected to continue over a number of years.
Alexander and Burnham have worked together for more than a decade. The pair both served in Labour’s Shadow Cabinet under Ed Miliband. Burnham was Shadow Health Secretary before Alexander succeeded him in the role in 2015.
Heidi Alexander has been reappointed as Secretary of State for Transport @transportgovuk. pic.twitter.com/ltzSBhUO4X
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 20, 2026
Although their careers later took different directions, with Burnham becoming Mayor of Greater Manchester and Alexander joining London’s City Hall before returning to Westminster, both built experience delivering major transport programmes.
As Deputy Mayor for Transport in London between 2018 and 2021, Alexander helped oversee Transport for London’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. She also worked on projects including the Elizabeth line, active travel schemes and wider improvements to the capital’s transport network.
Burnham’s experience as Mayor of Greater Manchester included overseeing the development of the Bee Network, which brought buses under local control and integrated public transport across the city region.
Keeping Alexander in post provides continuity for one of Whitehall’s largest spending departments.
The Department for Transport is responsible for long-term programmes covering rail reform, roads, aviation policy and local transport funding, with many projects expected to span several parliamentary terms.
Frequent ministerial reshuffles have often been criticised for disrupting long-term infrastructure planning. By retaining Alexander, Burnham has opted for continuity at the top of the department as those programmes continue.
Alexander was elected as MP for Swindon South in 2024 and quickly rose through the Government, serving briefly as a justice minister before becoming Transport Secretary later that year.
While Cabinet ministers have responsibilities across the country, her continued presence in Government means Swindon retains a voice at the highest level of national decision making as Burnham begins his premiership.
