Newly elected United Kingdom, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has swiftly unveiled his new cabinet, just hours after delivering his inaugural address to the public outside 10 Downing Street.
His speech emphasized a commitment to restoring trust in politics and bringing hope to the nation following Labour’s decisive victory in the 2024 General Election.
In his first address, Sir Keir declared that the British electorate had voted “decisively for change” and expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to “move forward together” after 14 years under Conservative governance.
Angela Rayner was the first to arrive at No.10 today, July 5. The Ashton-under-Lyne MP has been appointed Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and Deputy Prime Minister. Rayner, who has been Sir Keir’s deputy since 2020, is the first appointment of his new cabinet.
Rachel Reeves follows as the newly appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer, marking the first time a woman has held this position.
Reeves, re-elected as the MP for Leeds West and Pudsey, retains her role from the shadow cabinet.
David Lammy takes on the role of Foreign Secretary, maintaining his position from the shadow cabinet despite a low-profile election campaign. Lammy, a seasoned politician with previous roles as Shadow Lord Chancellor and Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, now represents UK policy abroad.
Yvette Cooper has been named Home Secretary, a significant position in Sir Keir’s cabinet. Cooper, who has been an influential Labour figure since the 1997 landslide, previously served as the first female Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
Pat McFadden assumes the role of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. After being re-elected as MP for Wolverhampton South East on July 4, he joins Sir Keir’s senior team.
John Healey, MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, has been appointed Defence Secretary. Healey, a long-standing Labour frontbencher, supported the Iraq invasion but has no military background.
Shabana Mahmood, a key ally of the new Prime Minister, is named Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. Mahmood retained her Birmingham Ladywood seat despite a strong challenge.
Wes Streeting, who narrowly held his Ilford North seat, is the new Health Secretary. Bridget Phillipson, the first MP elected overnight in her Houghton and Sunderland South constituency, has been named Education Secretary.
Ed Miliband, former Labour leader and MP for Doncaster North, becomes Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. Liz Kendall takes on the role of Work and Pensions Secretary, representing Leicester West.
Jonathan Reynolds has been appointed Business and Trade Secretary and President of the Board of Trade. Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade, is the new Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley, is now the Transport Secretary. Lisa Nandy has been surprisingly promoted to Culture Secretary after Thangam Debbonaire lost her seat.
Steve Reed, MP for Streatham and Croydon North, becomes Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary. Hilary Benn takes the position of Northern Ireland Secretary, having been re-elected in Leeds South with a 54% vote share.
Ian Murray has been appointed Scotland Secretary, a role he has shadowed since 2020. Jo Stevens, who won her Cardiff East seat with a significant majority, is now Secretary of State for Wales.
Sir Keir has also appointed Lucy Powell as Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council, and Baroness Smith of Basildon as Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal. Both held the same roles in the shadow cabinet.
Cabinet positions are crucial decision-making roles within the government, with each member responsible for specific policy areas such as healthcare, foreign affairs, and transport.
