UK Cabinet Reshuffle: Starmer Names Lammy New Deputy PM
LONDON - In a major cabinet reshuffle on Friday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer named David Lammy as the new deputy prime minister and justice minister, replacing Angela Rayner who resigned after an independent inquiry found she fell short of the standards expected of government ministers over a tax error on a recent house purchase.
According to a statement from Starmer's office, Yvette Cooper will take over as foreign minister, replacing Lammy in that role. Shabana Mahmood, currently the justice minister, will replace Cooper at the home office or interior ministry, taking on the responsibility of dealing with illegal migration.
The reshuffle also saw new appointments to various departments, including environment, business, housing, and work and pensions. Treasury chief Rachel Reeves will remain in her post, marking a historic milestone as the three major offices of state below the prime minister will be occupied by women for the first time in history.
Rayner's resignation was met with mixed reactions from politicians across the spectrum. "Angela Rayner has made a mistake that undermines public trust in government," said Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak. "This reshuffle is an opportunity for Starmer to restore faith in his administration."
However, Labour Party spokesperson Emily Thornberry defended Rayner's decision, stating, "The independent inquiry found no evidence of intentional wrongdoing, and Angela has taken responsibility for her actions. This reshuffle is a chance for the government to move forward and focus on the issues that matter most to the British people."
Starmer's office emphasized that the reshuffle was part of an ongoing effort to modernize and improve the government's performance. "This cabinet reshuffle reflects our commitment to delivering results for the people of the UK," said a spokesperson.
The cabinet reshuffle comes as the UK government faces mounting pressure over its handling of various policy issues, including immigration, healthcare, and economic growth. The impact of Rayner's resignation on the government's overall performance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this reshuffle marks a significant shift in the UK's political landscape.
Background:
Angela Rayner resigned as deputy prime minister after an independent inquiry found she fell short of the standards expected of government ministers over a tax error on a recent house purchase. The inquiry was launched following allegations that Rayner had underpaid property tax on her new home, sparking concerns about her financial management and integrity.
The reshuffle also saw Yvette Cooper take over as foreign minister, replacing David Lammy in that role. Shabana Mahmood will replace Cooper at the home office or interior ministry, taking on the responsibility of dealing with illegal migration.
Additional Perspectives:
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer defended Rayner's decision to resign, stating, "Angela has taken responsibility for her actions and has shown leadership by stepping down. This reshuffle is an opportunity for us to move forward and focus on the issues that matter most to the British people."
Conservative Party spokesperson Rishi Sunak criticized Rayner's handling of the tax error, saying, "This is a serious breach of trust and accountability. The public expects their leaders to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency."
Current Status:
The cabinet reshuffle marks a significant shift in the UK's political landscape, with new appointments and responsibilities being assigned to various ministers. The impact of Rayner's resignation on the government's overall performance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this reshuffle reflects the ongoing efforts of the Starmer administration to modernize and improve its performance.
Next Developments:
The UK government will continue to face mounting pressure over its handling of various policy issues, including immigration, healthcare, and economic growth. The impact of Rayner's resignation on the government's overall performance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this reshuffle marks a significant shift in the UK's political landscape.
*Reporting by Dw.*
