Andy Burnham’s government reshuffle has caused two Sussex departures from key parliament roles.

Chris Ward MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven left his position as Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office on Wednesday (22 July) after serving under his close friend Kier Starmer.

The Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven MP commented on the ex-prime ministers departure as ‘brutal’ and ‘disappointing’ prior to being removed from cabinet himself by Starmer’s predesesor.

Mr Ward took to social media after his departure from his junior ministerial government: “It’s been a huge honour to serve as a Cabinet Office Minister.

Chris Ward (Left) MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven and Peter Kyle (right) MP for Hove and Portslade, both out of the new Prime Minister's office.

placeholder image — Chris Ward (Left) MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven and Peter Kyle (right) MP for Hove and Portslade, both out of the new Prime Minister's office.

I’m really proud of the progress we’ve made, especially major reforms to procurement and insourcing.

I wish the new team every success as I focus on the best job anyone could wish for - representing Brighton KT&P. ”

Fellow neighbouring MP for Hove and Portslade, Peter Kyle, served as the Cabinet’s Business Secretary since last September, however he was also dropped from Burnham’s front-bench team.

Among others dismissed from cabinet included Rachel Reeves, who served as Chancellor and David Lammy, who was Deputy Prime Minister.