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Shabana Mahmood has been appointed Home Secretary by Sir Keir Starmer in a significant cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of Angela Rayner.
In a substantial restructuring of key government roles, Yvette Cooper moves from the Home Office to become Foreign Secretary. David Lammy transitions from Foreign Secretary to Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister.
With Rachel Reeves remaining as Chancellor, this marks the first instance of three women simultaneously holding the “great offices of state” alongside the Prime Minister.
Rayner’s departure presented a considerable challenge for Sir Keir, occurring shortly after adjustments to his Downing Street team intended to prioritize “delivery”.
Following what was dubbed “phase two,” the Prime Minister had announced a mini-reshuffle earlier in the week; however, Rayner’s resignation necessitated a more comprehensive restructuring.
Sir Keir has initiated significant changes in an effort to reinvigorate his team following a challenging first year and amid a threat to Labour’s standing in the polls from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party.
Mahmood’s appointment as Home Secretary signals the Prime Minister’s prioritization of addressing illegal immigration and asylum as key government objectives.
In another notable shift, Pat McFadden transitions from his role in the Cabinet Office to become Work and Pensions Secretary, encompassing a skills portfolio previously within the Education Department.
This move sees him succeed Liz Kendall, whose efforts to implement welfare reforms encountered significant backbench opposition and a subsequent scaling back of proposed cuts. Kendall assumes the role of Science Secretary.
Other changes include:
Rayner resigned from her positions as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary on Friday, following scrutiny over unpaid tax on her £800,000 property in Hove.
Her resignation followed a report by the Prime Minister’s ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, who, while stating Rayner had “acted with integrity,” concluded that she had breached the ministerial code by not seeking appropriate tax advice related to the property purchase.
The reshuffle represents the most significant cabinet changes during Labour’s 14 months in power, with approximately half of the cabinet members transitioning roles.
Ian Murray has expressed his disappointment at leaving his post as Secretary of State for Scotland, and he is being replaced by Labour veteran Douglas Alexander, who previously held the same position under Tony Blair.
Lisa Nandy will continue in her role as Culture Secretary, and John Healey remains Defence Secretary.
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