UK PM Starmer’s Reshuffle Puts Women In Top Three Cabinet Roles
Shabana Mahmood Becomes Home Sec; Lammy Deputy PM, Cooper is Foreign Secretary
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer finalised a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle on Saturday, marking a historic moment as women now helm the government's top three positions for the first time. Pakistani-origin MP Shabana Mahmood was elevated to Home Secretary, while Yvette Cooper shifted to Foreign Secretary, joining Chancellor Rachel Reeves in steering key portfolios.
The changes were prompted by the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who stepped down amid a ministerial code violation involving underpaid taxes on a property. Rayner, also Labour's former deputy leader, has triggered a party election for her successor.
Mahmood, previously Justice Secretary, vowed to prioritise citizen safety, signalling a tougher stance on illegal migration amid rising challenges from Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Cooper, taking the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) reins from David Lammy—who was promoted to Deputy Prime Minister with Justice duties—highlighted global priorities like Russian aggression and the Gaza crisis. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar congratulated her, expressing eagerness to advance the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
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In a shift impacting bilateral trade, Jonathan Reynolds moved from Business and Trade Secretary to Chief Whip, with Peter Kyle stepping in to oversee the next phase of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in July.
Other notable appointments include Steve Reed as Housing Secretary, Pat McFadden to Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall to Science, Innovation and Technology, Emma Reynolds to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Alan Campbell as Leader of the House of Commons, and Darren Jones adding Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to his Chief Secretary role.
Downing Street framed the reshuffle as "phase two" of Starmer's Labour government, formed after last July's election, ahead of the party's Liverpool conference. Junior roles continue to be adjusted over the weekend, emphasizing diversity and fresh policy directions
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