Keir Starmer appoints 22 labour MPs and peers, including a record number of women, to key cabinet positions after the party’s decisive win

Keir Starmer, newly elected as Prime Minister after Labour’s impressive victory over the Conservative government, has swiftly assembled a diverse cabinet comprising 22 Labour MPs and peers. This cabinet marks a significant historical moment, not only for its composition but also for the broad spectrum of portfolios assigned.

Angela Rayner, who also assumes the role of Deputy Prime Minister, has been appointed Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities. Rachel Reeves, making history as the first woman to hold the position, takes charge as Chancellor of the Exchequer. David Lammy steps into the role of Foreign Secretary, while Yvette Cooper becomes the new Home Secretary. These appointments reflect Starmer’s strategic balance of experience, gender representation, and policy expertise.

Among other notable appointments, Shabana Mahmood has been confirmed as Justice Secretary, making her only the second woman, after Liz Truss, to hold this dual role including Lord Chancellor’s responsibilities. John Healey takes on the mantle of Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting becomes Health Secretary, and Bridget Phillipson assumes the position of Education Secretary.

The cabinet lineup also includes familiar faces such as Ed Miliband as Energy Secretary, Liz Kendall as Work and Pensions Secretary, and Lisa Nandy as Culture Secretary. These appointments underscore Starmer’s commitment to maintaining a blend of continuity and fresh perspectives within his administration.

BBC

Keir Starmer’s appointment as the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom follows Labour’s resounding victory in the July 4th general election, marking a significant shift in British politics after 14 years of Conservative rule. At 61, Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, has swiftly ascended from his parliamentary debut less than a decade ago to leading his party to its first win since Tony Blair’s landslide in 1997.

Starmer’s cabinet, comprising 22 Labour MPs and peers, notably includes a record 11 women in key positions. Angela Rayner assumes the role of Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, while Rachel Reeves becomes the first woman Chancellor of the Exchequer. Other prominent appointments include David Lammy as Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper as Home Secretary, and Shabana Mahmood as Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor.

Starmer’s leadership has been characterized by a pragmatic centrist approach, steering Labour away from its previous leftist positions under Jeremy Corbyn. He has pledged a “decade of national renewal,” focusing on economic recovery, bolstering public services like the NHS, and addressing social inequalities exacerbated during Conservative governance. His platform includes commitments to create a publicly owned energy company, invest in green energy, and reform education and housing policies.

Critically, Starmer has aimed to rebuild Labour’s credibility on issues such as national security and patriotism, contrasting sharply with criticisms levelled at Corbyn’s tenure. He has also addressed internal party challenges, tackling antisemitism and reshaping Labour’s image to appeal broadly across the political spectrum.

As he prepares to take office, Starmer faces the formidable task of fulfilling his campaign promises amidst ongoing global challenges, including economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. His cabinet’s diverse composition underscores his commitment to inclusive governance and his strategy to unite Labour behind a vision of stability, reform, and national recovery.

The New York Times

Rachel Reeves, the newly appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer in Britain, draws inspiration from U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s economic approach as she steps into her historic role. Reeves, who becomes Britain’s first female Chancellor after Labour’s recent election victory, aims to revive economic growth and address long-standing stagnation.

Reeves’ economic strategy, termed “securonomics,” emphasizes resilience and security for the national economy and working people. This approach is influenced by Yellen’s policies in the United States, which have focused on stimulating job creation and boosting investment, particularly in green sectors, through subsidies and tax incentives. Reeves intends to adopt a more activist government role, departing from the Conservative Party’s legacy of smaller state intervention and free-market policies.

Despite Britain’s economic challenges, including high debt levels and historical tax rates, Reeves plans to navigate these constraints by focusing on stability and fostering conditions for private-sector investment. She aims to overhaul policies like the planning system to facilitate housing construction and upgrade the energy grid, without significant new spending commitments.

Reeves’ pragmatic approach contrasts with past Labour Party commitments to substantial spending increases, reflecting a cautious stance aligned with Labour leader Keir Starmer’s broader political strategy. As she navigates these challenges, Reeves seeks to strengthen Britain’s economic institutions and align with global economic shifts, advocating for a new economic order that prioritizes domestic objectives over previous models of globalization.

In essence, Rachel Reeves’ tenure as Chancellor signals a departure towards a more interventionist economic policy, influenced by U.S. models under Janet Yellen, while balancing fiscal constraints and economic pragmatism in navigating Britain’s post-pandemic recovery.

Sky News

Sir Keir Starmer has finalized his new cabinet following Labour’s landslide victory in the recent general election, largely retaining ministers in their previous roles. Here are the key appointments:

1. Angela Rayner remains Deputy Prime Minister and takes on the role of Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities.
2. Rachel Reeves continues as Chancellor of the Exchequer, emphasizing fiscal discipline and Labour’s business relations.
3. Yvette Cooper is the Home Secretary, drawing on extensive ministerial experience under previous Labour governments.
4. David Lammy serves as the Foreign Secretary, bringing his background as a longstanding MP and advocate for social justice.
5. Pat McFadden assumes the role of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, responsible for central government coordination.
6. Shabana Mahmood is appointed Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor, focusing on legal reforms and justice issues.
7. Wes Streeting takes over as Health Secretary, a position he has shadowed since 2021, emphasizing his personal NHS experiences.
8. Bridget Phillipson continues as Education Secretary, advocating for educational equality and reform.
9. Ed Miliband serves as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, reflecting his previous role in environmental policy.
10. Liz Kendall becomes Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, focusing on social welfare and pensions reform.

Other notable appointments include Jonathan Reynolds as Business and Trade Secretary, Lisa Nandy as Culture Secretary, Hilary Benn as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and Ian Murray as Secretary of State for Scotland. Baroness Smith of Basildon will lead the House of Lords as its leader.

Starmer’s cabinet reflects continuity and experience, aimed at delivering on Labour’s promises of economic recovery, social justice, and environmental sustainability amidst the challenges ahead.