British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle that has placed women at the helm of the three most powerful offices in government for the first time.
Shabana Mahmood, of Pakistani origin, has taken charge as Home Secretary, replacing Yvette Cooper, who moves to the Foreign Office. Rachel Reeves continues as Chancellor of the Exchequer, ensuring women now occupy the key posts of Home, Foreign and Treasury.
Mahmood, previously Justice Secretary, is regarded as a firm administrator who pressed ahead with reforms to ease a prison crisis. She vowed to prioritise public safety, declaring, “It is the honour of my life to serve as Home Secretary. The first responsibility of government is the safety of its citizens. Every day in this job, I will be devoted to that purpose.”
Her transfer to the Home Office signals a tougher stance on illegal migration, as Labour faces mounting pressure from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Cooper, taking over from David Lammy as Foreign Secretary, said Britain’s diplomacy faced its most critical test in decades. “From Russian aggression in Europe to the horrendous famine and conflict in Gaza – when UK diplomacy has never been more important. I look forward to representing and promoting British interests around the world,” she stated.
Lammy has been promoted to Deputy Prime Minister with additional charge as Justice Secretary, while Jonathan Reynolds has been shifted from the business and trade brief to assume the role of Chief Whip. His successor, Peter Kyle, inherits responsibility for advancing the India–UK Free Trade Agreement signed in July.
Also read: Britain's Deputy PM Angela Rayner admits underpaying tax
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended congratulations to Cooper on her new role, saying he looked forward to continuing the “strong momentum” of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Other prominent changes include Steve Reed as Housing Secretary, Pat McFadden as Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall taking over the Science, Innovation and Technology portfolio, Emma Reynolds moving to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Alan Campbell as Leader of the House of Commons, and Darren Jones adding the post of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to his existing responsibilities.
The reshuffle follows the departure of Angela Rayner, who resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary after breaching the ministerial code over underpaid tax on a new property. Her resignation has also triggered an election for Labour’s deputy leader.
Downing Street has described the shake-up as a “pre-planned” second phase of government, timed ahead of Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool later this month.
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