Starmer reshuffles cabinet after Angela Rayner's resignation- here's full list of ministerial changes

Labour reshuffle: UK prime minister Keir Starmer has reshuffled his cabinet following the resignation of Angela Rayner, who stepped down from her roles as deputy prime minister, housing secretary, and deputy leader of the Labour Party, as per a report.

Angela Rayner Resigns Over Tax Controversy

Rayner resigned after a standards adviser Sir Laurie Magnus found she had breached the ministerial code, as per a Sky News report. The issue involved underpaying stamp duty on a flat she bought in Hove, East Sussex. She had paid the standard rate based on legal advice, believing it was her main residence, as her family home was owned by a trust for her disabled son, according to the report. However, it was later found she should have paid more, as per Sky News.

Her resignation left major gaps in government, prompting Starmer to act quickly to fill key roles and maintain political and market stability, according to the report. Chancellor Rachel Reeves remains in post, to reassure investors, an attempt to stop the markets moving, reported Sky News.

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Here is a list of the cabinet members moving and where to, according to the report.

David Lammy Appointed Deputy PM and Justice Secretary

David Lammy has moved from foreign secretary to justice secretary and has also been appointed deputy prime minister, as per the Sky News report. While this is technically a step down from one of the top offices of state, the new title reflects his close relationship with the prime minister and keeps him central to the government, as per the report.

Yvette Cooper Becomes Foreign Secretary

Yvette Cooper, previously home secretary, now has become the foreign secretary, as per Sky News. She had focused heavily on immigration and asylum, and while the move may be seen as a shift in priorities, she remains at the top of government, according to the report.

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Shabana Mahmood Named New Home Secretary

Shabana Mahmood, who was previously a justice secretary is now home secretary, as per Sky News. It’s a significant promotion as she takes on some of the most high-profile and challenging issues facing the government, including illegal migration and public protests, as per the report. Her appointment marks a historic moment, with the top three offices of state, aside from the prime minister, now held by women, according to the report.

Pat McFadden Heads New ‘Super Ministry’ Covering Work, Pensions, and Skills

Pat McFadden, a key adviser to Starmer and previously the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and intergovernmental minister, becomes secretary of a new “super ministry” that combines work and pensions with parts of the education brief, specifically skills training, as per the Sky News report. The role gives him significant influence across employment and education policy, as per the report.

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Darren Jones Appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Darren Jones has been appointed chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. This is his second promotion in a week, after moving from chief secretary to the Treasury to chief secretary to the prime minister, according to Sky News. He now takes on a vital coordinating role in the Cabinet Office.

Steve Reed Takes Over as Housing Secretary

Steve Reed, who was the environment secretary, now becomes housing secretary, stepping into one of the roles left vacant by Rayner, as reported by Sky News. He will be responsible for delivering Labour’s ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes during this parliament, according to the report.

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Jonathan Reynolds Becomes Chief Whip

Jonathan Reynolds, previously business and trade secretary, becomes chief whip, reported Sky News. He is now responsible for party discipline and ensuring Labour MPs support government policies in Parliament, according to the report.

Peter Kyle Takes on Business and Trade Secretary

Peter Kyle moves from science secretary to business and trade secretary, replacing Reynolds, as per the report. Seen as a rising figure in the party, Kyle’s new role will see him focus on getting trade deals with other countries, as reported by Sky News.

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Emma Reynolds Promoted to Environment Secretary

Emma Reynolds, formerly a junior Treasury minister, has received a major promotion to environment secretary, as per the report. She will now deal with issues such as farming, water companies, and environmental regulation, reported Sky News.

Liz Kendall Takes Over Science, Innovation and Technology Department

Liz Kendall, previously part of work and pensions secretary takes over the science, innovation and technology secretary, as per the report. She replaces Peter Kyle and will now shape policy on artificial intelligence and future technologies, according to Sky News.

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Douglas Alexander Becomes Scotland Secretary

Douglas Alexander, a former cabinet minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and became the trade policy minister last year, is now Scotland secretary, as per the report. He replaces Ian Murray, who has been removed from the cabinet, reported Sky News.

Alan Campbell Becomes Leader of the House of Commons

Alan Campbell, who served as chief whip, is now leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council, as per the report. He will manage and take charge of the government business in the Parliament, reported Sky News.

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Cabinet Members Leaving: Lucy Powell and Ian Murray

Meanwhile, some membera are leaving the cabinet. Among those leaving cabinet roles are Lucy Powell, removed as leader of the House of Commons, and Ian Murray, will no longer be part of Scotland secretary, as per the report.

Bridget Phillipson remains education secretary, though her portfolio has been narrowed, with the skills brief now moved to McFadden, reported Sky News.

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FAQs

Why did Angela Rayner resign?
She resigned after a standards adviser ruled she breached the ministerial code by underpaying stamp duty on a property.

Who replaced Rayner as deputy prime minister?
David Lammy was appointed as the new deputy prime minister and also became justice secretary.