David Lammy Becomes New Deputy Prime Minister In Cabinet Reshuffle
Keir Starmer has reshuffled his cabinet following Angela Rayner’s resignation, appointing David Lammy as the new deputy prime minister and justice secretary. Yvette Cooper moves from the Home Office to take over as foreign secretary, while Shabana Mahmood steps in as the new home secretary. Chancellor Rachel Reeves remains in her post to reassure markets during the transition.
Rayner stepped down after an investigation into her underpaid stamp duty on a property in Hove. Though the ethics adviser said she “acted with integrity” and “in good faith,” she accepted responsibility for not seeking specialist tax advice. In her resignation letter, Rayner said, “I would like to take this opportunity to repeat that it was never my intention to do anything other than pay the right amount."
Lucy Powell, who served as Leader of the House of Commons, also left the government, saying it had been “an honour to serve in the first Labour Government in 15 years.” She acknowledged the pressures facing women in politics, adding, “This has not been an easy time for the Government… As women in public life, we experience this all the more.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has also exited the cabinet, expressing disappointment but gratitude for his time in government. “I am hugely disappointed to be leaving government,” he said, “but I now look forward to spending a little more time with my wife and two beautiful girls.”
Starmer has described the shake-up as part of a broader “renewal” for his government, though insiders suggest it was accelerated by Rayner’s departure. Despite the turbulence, the prime minister said Rayner will “remain a major figure in our party.”
