Starmer Reshuffles Cabinet After Deputy Resignation, Emphasizes Loyalty
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has overhauled his cabinet following the resignation of his deputy, Angela Rayner, bringing in a new deputy prime minister, foreign secretary, and home secretary. The reshuffle aims to restore stability and authority within his government.
David Lammy, formerly foreign secretary, has been promoted to deputy prime minister, while Yvette Cooper takes over as foreign secretary. Shabana Mahmood, previously justice secretary, steps into Cooper’s role at the Home Office. All three are considered reliable and loyal members of Starmer’s team.
The move comes after Starmer recently reshaped his Downing Street team to strengthen economic policy advice. Rayner’s resignation, however, made this reshuffle larger than anticipated, ending weeks of speculation over her tax affairs.
The independent adviser on ministerial standards found that Rayner breached the ministerial code by failing to pay the correct tax. Starmer could not intervene to prevent her resignation despite previously supporting her.
One Labour lawmaker described Rayner as a “big beast” and acknowledged that the new appointments, though solid, are not particularly exciting.
Key Appointments and Their Significance
David Lammy now serves as deputy prime minister but has passed the foreign secretary role to Yvette Cooper, a senior Labour figure with experience dating back to Gordon Brown’s administration. Cooper’s promotion comes after overseeing the government’s controversial migration policies.
Shabana Mahmood, 44, is viewed as a competent and dependable politician. Her experience as justice secretary and practical decision-making style make her a trusted choice to lead the Home Office.
Starmer has repeatedly emphasized loyalty as a top priority, particularly after experiencing a high number of early ministerial resignations—more than any UK prime minister in nearly fifty years.
Angela Rayner’s Departure
Rayner, 45, resigned after reports indicated she may have avoided £40,000 in tax following the sale of a home, which was transferred to a trust for her son, who has lifelong disabilities.
In her resignation letter, Rayner expressed regret: “I deeply regret my decision to not seek additional specialist tax advice.” Her departure also included stepping down from her position as deputy party leader, leaving Lammy in a central role.
The resignation adds political pressure on Starmer, whose Labour Party is trailing Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in polls. Farage criticized Labour as being in “deep crisis,” suggesting that the party may struggle to maintain effective governance despite its parliamentary majority.
Challenges Ahead for Starmer
Starmer faces complex choices regarding state spending and taxation while working to restore confidence in the Labour Party. The government has faced criticism over accepting expensive items from donors, including clothing and concert tickets, which intensified public scrutiny as welfare budgets were adjusted.
Rayner’s resignation underscores the importance of loyalty, competence, and trust in Starmer’s cabinet, highlighting why Lammy, Cooper, and Mahmood were selected to fill these key positions.