Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a sweeping cabinet reshuffle following the dramatic resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, in a move seen as pivotal to the future of his administration.
David Lammy, a senior Labour figure and former Foreign Secretary, has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary. He replaces Rayner, whose sudden exit has rattled the Labour Party and reopened debates over unity and direction.
The changes come at a politically sensitive time for Starmer, with growing pressure both from within the party and among the electorate. Rayner, a high-profile figure with strong working-class support, stepped down after an investigation revealed tax irregularities. Her departure, observers note, “leaves a vacuum for constituents drawn to her working-class credentials,” raising concerns about Labour’s cohesion.
The resignation also sets the stage for a deputy leadership contest that is expected to reignite tensions between the party’s centrist and left-leaning factions.
The reshuffle, announced on Friday, saw several notable moves. These moves include, Yvette Cooper shifted from Home Secretary to Foreign Secretary, Shabana Mahmood was promoted from Justice Secretary to Home Secretary, Steve Reed was named Housing Secretary, Pat McFadden took charge of a newly expanded Work and Pensions department and Douglas Alexander was appointed Scotland Secretary.
Other reshuffled office holders are, Liz Kendall moved to Science and Technology, Emma Reynolds became Environment Secretary, Peter Kyle was named Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds took on the role of Chief Whip and Alan Campbell became Leader of the House of Commons.
At the same time, Lucy Powell and Ian Murray were dropped from cabinet positions.
Lammy’s appointment has been described as strategically significant, given his reputation as a reformer and his longstanding advocacy for criminal justice reform. His new role will see him take charge as Parliament prepares to debate the Sentencing Bill.
The Prison Reform Trust welcomed his promotion, saying the timing offers “an important opportunity to move away from the failed cycle of overcrowding and crisis management.”
LEADERSHIP reports that Starmer’s government is already grappling with economic pressures, including an impending £40 billion budget shortfall, and waning public confidence. Opposition to Labour’s welfare and immigration policies has boosted support for Reform UK, adding to the political headwinds.
Analysts warn that this reshuffle could either reinvigorate Starmer’s administration or deepen internal divisions. With Labour under heightened scrutiny, the performance of Lammy and the rest of the new cabinet will be a litmus test of the Prime Minister’s leadership as the party navigates budget challenges, populist pressures, and the upcoming deputy leadership election.
