Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Sport Trust, said: “We congratulate Andy Burnham on becoming Prime Minister and wish him every success as he sets out his vision for the country.

“Throughout his career, he has recognised the power of sport, play and physical activity to improve lives, and the Youth Sport Trust has been proud to work with him in the past to translate high quality, inclusive PE and school sport into better pupil and whole school outcomes. We hope we can work together again now to achieve even greater change.

“We also want to thank Sir Keir Starmer for his commitment to PE, school sport and play during his time as Prime Minister. The announcement of a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network and the Enrichment Framework, alongside progress on curriculum reform, gives the sector strong foundations to build on.

“The challenge now is to turn this momentum into lasting change. We believe the new Prime Minister has an opportunity to rewire childhood by rebuilding play and sport in our schools, connected to a renewed youth offer in every community. With concerns about obesity, mental health challenges and youth unemployment, is no exaggeration to say this could be a cornerstone of national renewal. The evidence is clear it is possible through increased physical activity to improve young people’s wellbeing, support learning, build essential life skills and create healthier habits for the future.

“The Youth Sport Trust stands ready to work with the Prime Minister, his ministers and advisers to ensure every child can access the opportunities they need to be happier, healthier and ready to learn.”

The new Prime Minister recently joined Youth Sport Trust's National School Sport Champion Sir Mo Farah for a run around London, where they spoke about their shared enthusiasm for sport. During the conversation, Andy Burnham declared he plans to be "a PM for sport," adding:

"We need to give our kids more access to sport...it has been driven out of schools too much, and I'd have it right at the heart of the school day. Kids don't always get the chance to use sport to make themselves feel good at school. 

"Young people should be given limitless opportunity to play sport...it will help them educationally, mentally, in every way. [Sport] is the best investment you can make in people and communities."

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has conducted a wide-ranging reshuffle upon taking office. Lucy Powell replaces Bridget Phillipson as Secretary of State for Education, having previously served as Shadow Education Secretary and Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The MP for Manchester Central is a lifelong support of Manchester City, and in 2023 criticised a "disheartening" decrease in PE and school sport hours since the 2012 London Olympics. The new Secretary of State will be supported by ministers including Georgia Gould, who continues in her previous role as Minister for School Standards.

Elsewhere, Lisa Nandy continues as Secretary of State at the newly-expanded Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with Stephanie Peacock also remaining in her role as Minister for Sport. Yvette Cooper replaces James Murray as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.