David Lammy is set to take over as deputy Prime Minister following Angela Rayner’s resignation. Keir Starmer has reorganized his top team, appointing Yvette Cooper as the new Foreign Secretary. Shabana Mahmood will now lead the Home Office as Labour’s Justice Secretary.
Having served as an MP for 25 years, Mr. Lammy will also assume control of the Ministry of Justice. Rayner’s resignation came after admitting to underpaying stamp duty on a property in Hove, Sussex. The ethics watchdog, Sir Laurie Magnus, acknowledged Rayner’s integrity but found that she breached the ministerial code.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves was confirmed to retain her position amidst the reshuffle, while Lucy Powell and Ian Murray were removed from their roles as Leader of the House of Commons and Scottish Secretary, respectively. Pat McFadden is now the Work and Pensions Secretary, Steve Reed takes over as Housing Secretary, and Peter Kyle is assigned the business portfolio.
Liz Kendall is appointed as the Technology Secretary, and Emma Reynolds has been promoted to lead the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs. In response to her departure, Powell expressed gratitude for serving in the Labour Government and emphasized the need for change and improvement in people’s lives.
Murray expressed disappointment at leaving the government but stressed the importance of progressive change in politics. Rayner resigned after being found to breach the ministerial code for underpaying stamp duty. She acknowledged her mistake and expressed regret for not seeking additional tax advice. Keir acknowledged Rayner’s integrity and stated her continued importance within the party.
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