David Lammy Named UK Deputy Prime Minister as Starmer Unveils Sweeping Cabinet Reshuffle

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has carried out a major cabinet reshuffle following the sudden resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, a move widely viewed as a defining moment for his government.

David Lammy, a senior Labour figure and former Foreign Secretary, has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary. He takes over from Rayner, whose departure after an investigation into tax irregularities has shaken the party and revived questions about Labour’s unity and direction. Rayner, who commanded strong support among working-class voters, leaves what observers describe as a “significant gap” in the party’s grassroots appeal. Her resignation is expected to trigger a deputy leadership contest that could once again expose tensions between Labour’s centrist and left-leaning factions.

The reshuffle, announced on Friday, brought sweeping changes across government. Yvette Cooper moved from Home Secretary to Foreign Secretary, while Shabana Mahmood was promoted to Home Secretary. Steve Reed became Housing Secretary, Pat McFadden took charge of a newly expanded Work and Pensions department, and Douglas Alexander was appointed Scotland Secretary. Liz Kendall was moved to Science and Technology, Emma Reynolds became Environment Secretary, Peter Kyle took over as Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds was named Chief Whip, and Alan Campbell became Leader of the House of Commons. Lucy Powell and Ian Murray were dropped from cabinet posts.

Lammy’s promotion is seen as strategically important, with his record on criminal justice reform setting the stage for upcoming parliamentary debates on sentencing. The Prison Reform Trust welcomed his appointment, saying it could help break the cycle of overcrowding and crisis management in UK prisons.

The shake-up comes at a time of mounting pressure for Starmer’s government, which faces a looming £40 billion budget shortfall, economic headwinds, and declining public confidence. Criticism of Labour’s welfare and immigration policies has also bolstered support for Reform UK, adding to the political challenges.

Analysts say the reshuffle could either strengthen Starmer’s leadership or deepen divisions within Labour. For many, the performance of Lammy and the restructured cabinet will serve as an early test of the government’s ability to maintain stability and deliver on its agenda as the party prepares for a bruising deputy leadership election.