David Lammy Named Deputy PM in Starmer’s Cabinet Shake-Up
Big changes have just landed at the heart of British politics. After Angela Rayner’s dramatic resignation, David Lammy has been appointed as the new Deputy Prime Minister. It’s a move that has caught plenty of attention, not only because of the senior role he now holds, but also because of the wider reshuffle taking place across Keir Starmer’s government.
Angela Rayner stepped down earlier today, and the reason behind her resignation has been tied to a tax issue involving her property in Hove. She was found to have failed to pay the right amount of tax on her £800,000 flat. While the prime minister’s ethics adviser stressed that she acted with integrity, the conclusion was still clear: she had breached the ministerial code. Accepting responsibility, Rayner admitted the error and said she had no choice but to leave her post as deputy PM, housing secretary, and deputy leader of the Labour Party. Starmer, in his statement, described her as a trusted colleague and a true friend.
Also Read:Her departure created a huge gap in government, and Starmer has moved quickly to fill it. David Lammy has been handed the role of deputy prime minister alongside his new post as justice secretary. For Lammy, this is a big leap forward in his political career. Only hours after the resignation, he was seen arriving at Downing Street to formally take up his position.
This appointment is part of a wider shake-up, one that Starmer has framed as “phase two” of his government. Yvette Cooper is now foreign secretary, Shabana Mahmood has taken over as home secretary, and Rachel Reeves remains as chancellor. Together, Mahmood, Reeves, and Cooper now occupy the three great offices of state, meaning that for the first time in history, all these posts are held by women. That’s a moment that will be remembered in the story of British politics.
The reshuffle has extended beyond just the big names. Peter Kyle has been moved into the role of business secretary, Steve Reed has stepped into the housing brief, and Pat McFadden is now in charge at Work and Pensions. Even behind the scenes, Starmer has strengthened his team: Darren Jones, Baroness Shafik, and Tim Allan have all been brought in to sharpen delivery and communication inside Number 10.
Of course, not everyone has welcomed the changes. The Liberal Democrats’ Ed Davey has argued that moving people around the cabinet table does not fix the real challenges facing the country. Meanwhile, some Labour MPs in Scotland have voiced frustration after Ian Murray, long regarded as a loyal figure for the party north of the border, was dropped as Scottish secretary.
Still, the headlines tonight belong to David Lammy. He now carries the weight of being both deputy prime minister and justice secretary. The circumstances may have been unexpected, but his rise marks a fresh chapter in Starmer’s leadership—and a clear sign that the Labour government wants to project stability, authority, and momentum in what is likely to be a very demanding period ahead.
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