The move is part of Prime Minister Gordon Brown's cabinet reshuffle, and follows the resignations of a number of high-profile ministers.

Burnham, who was appointed culture secretary in January 2008, has been replaced by health minister Ben Bradshaw.

Bradshaw, the MP for Exeter, takes up the position after a sting as the minister for health and south west. He entered parliament in 1997 after a career in journalism.

At the time of his election, Bradshaw was working on the BBC's The World At One programme.

The son of a Church of England vicar, Bradshaw is openly gay and is a keen hiker.

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