David Lammy has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary in a sweeping cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, following the resignation of Angela Rayner
Lammy, who previously served as Foreign Secretary, now steps into one of the most powerful roles in government at a moment of heightened political pressure for Labour.
His appointment is viewed as central to Starmer’s attempt to stabilise his administration and signal a new direction after Rayner’s dramatic exit.
Known for his strong reformist stance and advocacy on criminal justice issues, Lammy’s elevation comes as Parliament prepares to debate the Sentencing Bill. The Prison Reform Trust welcomed the move, describing it as an opportunity to “move away from the failed cycle of overcrowding and crisis management.”
Other Cabinet Changes
- Yvette Cooper moves from Home Secretary to Foreign Secretary.
- Shabana Mahmood promoted from Justice Secretary to Home Secretary.
- Steve Reed becomes Housing Secretary.
- Pat McFadden takes charge of a newly expanded Work and Pensions department.
- Douglas Alexander appointed Scotland Secretary.
- Liz Kendall moves to Science and Technology.
- Emma Reynolds takes Environment.
- Peter Kyle becomes Business Secretary.
- Jonathan Reynolds named Chief Whip.
- Alan Campbell appointed Leader of the House of Commons.
Lucy Powell and Ian Murray were removed from their cabinet roles.
