Keir Starmer’s revamped cabinet has been described as the most formidable team after a significant reshuffle that led to Angela Rayner’s resignation, according to a senior minister.
The former Deputy Prime Minister stepped down from her position following a controversy involving a £40,000 underpayment of stamp duty on her property in Hove, East Sussex. Rayner defended the error as unintentional and was commended by Ethics watchdog Sir Laurie Magnus for her integrity and unwavering dedication to public service.
In the wake of the Prime Minister’s restructuring of his top officials, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Darren Jones praised the new lineup as stronger than ever. He emphasized that the reshuffle was accelerated due to Rayner’s resignation, allowing for a swift transition to a robust cabinet focused on fulfilling the public’s priorities.
Jones dismissed claims of instability within the Labour Government, asserting that reshuffles at this juncture were customary for administrations. He refuted Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s assertions of Labour divisions and predictions of an early election.
Over the weekend, the Prime Minister reshuffled junior ministers, including changes at the Home Office. Various appointments were made, such as Anna Turley joining the Cabinet Office, Sir Chris Bryant moving to the Business Department, and Ellie Reeves assuming the role of Solicitor General.
Further adjustments saw Georgia Gould appointed in Education, Lucy Rigby transitioning to the Treasury, and Luke Pollard becoming a Defense minister. Notably, Maria Eagle MP and Catherine McKinnell MP departed from the Government.
Dame Angela Eagle was reassigned from the Home Office to the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, while Dame Diana Johnson relocated to the Department for Work and Pensions. Sarah Jones was newly appointed as a Home Office minister.
In other changes, Daniel Zeichner was removed as a farming minister, and former ministers Poppy Gustaffson and Jim McMahon also exited the Government.
Elsewhere, Angela Rayner received vocal support from Julia Davies, a member of Patriotic Millionaires UK, a group advocating for higher taxes.
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