In the aftermath of a dramatic reshuffle, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has challenged his new Cabinet to prioritise Britain’s economic recovery.
With Angela Rayner’s sudden departure still sending ripples through Labour ranks, Sir Keir made it clear that growth is the “number one priority” as he addressed his reshaped team at No10.
The first year of his administration has been rocky, dominated by public frustration over immigration and internal party tensions.
Starmer’s personal ratings have slipped to a net low of minus 44, according to More in Common, underlining the political pressures he now faces.
A Patriotic Call Around the Cabinet Table
Sitting at the Cabinet table with a “Prime Minister” mug in front of him, Starmer told ministers they are the right people to answer what he described as a “patriotic call” to guide the nation toward renewal for working people.
“You are the right people to heed the patriotic call to lift up our country and take it forward to national renewal for millions of working people,” he said, signalling a clear shift in tone toward action and delivery.
Key Cabinet Changes After Rayner’s Exit
The shake-up came after Angela Rayner resigned following a standards report that highlighted breaches of the ministerial code over her tax arrangements.
Her former role as Deputy Prime Minister has been handed to David Lammy, while Yvette Cooper has taken over as Foreign Secretary.
Shabana Mahmood now steps into the crucial role of Home Secretary, promising to take strong action on Channel crossings.
Liz Kendall has moved from Work and Pensions to lead the Science, Innovation and Technology department, after attempts to curb the rising benefits bill ran into resistance.
Pat McFadden is tasked with another attempt at welfare savings, which is seen as vital for Finance Minister Rachel Reeves’ hopes of balancing the government’s books.
Labour Deputy Leadership Race Heats Up
Amid the reshuffle, the Labour deputy leadership race is shaping up into a significant internal contest.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has declared her candidacy, positioning herself as the Downing Street-backed contender.
She may face competition from former colleague Lucy Powell, who enjoys support from Andy Burnham and is seen by some as a potential future leader of the party.
Starmer’s Message to the Cabinet
According to the Prime Minister’s official spokesman, Starmer’s message to his “refreshed, reshaped” Cabinet is simple: put delivery and economic growth at the heart of government priorities.
He is expected to stress that this is “a government of patriots determined to deliver for working people.”
Keir Starmer’s New Cabinet
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David Lammy – Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary
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Darren Jones – Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister
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Yvette Cooper – Foreign Secretary
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Shabana Mahmood – Home Secretary
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Steve Reed – Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary
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Pat McFadden – Work and Pensions Secretary
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Peter Kyle – Business and Trade Secretary
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Liz Kendall – Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary
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Emma Reynolds – Environment Secretary
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Douglas Alexander – Scotland Secretary
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Jonathan Reynolds – Chief Whip
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Sir Alan Campbell – Leader of the House of Commons