David Lammy Appointed Deputy Prime Minister And Justice Secretary In Starmer’s Cabinet Shake-Up

David Lammy has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary in a major cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, following the resignation of Angela Rayner.

Lammy, a senior Labour figure and former Foreign Secretary, now steps into two of the government’s most powerful roles at a time of deep political pressure for Starmer. His appointment is seen as both a stabilising move and a strategic choice, given his strong record on justice reform and his influence within the party.

The reshuffle, announced Friday, marks a pivotal moment for Starmer’s administration, coming just days after Rayner’s dramatic resignation exposed internal divisions and unsettled Labour’s working-class base.

Other Key Cabinet Changes

• Yvette Cooper moves from Home Secretary to Foreign Secretary.
• Shabana Mahmood promoted from Justice Secretary to Home Secretary.
• Steve Reed named Housing Secretary.
• Pat McFadden appointed head of an expanded Work and Pensions department.
• Douglas Alexander becomes Scotland Secretary.
• Liz Kendall takes over Science and Technology.
• Emma Reynolds becomes Environment Secretary.
• Peter Kyle named Business Secretary.
• Jonathan Reynolds becomes Chief Whip.
• Alan Campbell appointed Leader of the House of Commons.

Lucy Powell and Ian Murray were removed from the cabinet.

Political Stakes

Rayner’s exit has set off a deputy leadership contest that could sharpen tensions between Labour’s centrist and left-leaning factions. At the same time, the party is struggling with falling public support, mounting criticism over its immigration and welfare policies, and the challenge of managing an upcoming £40 billion budget shortfall.

Lammy’s New Role

Lammy’s elevation is widely regarded as the defining feature of the reshuffle. Known for his long-standing advocacy on criminal justice reform, he takes charge as Parliament prepares to debate the Sentencing Bill. The Prison Reform Trust welcomed his appointment, describing it as “an opportunity to move away from the failed cycle of overcrowding and crisis management.”

By placing Lammy at the heart of government, Starmer is betting that his credibility and reformist profile can steady Labour during one of its most challenging periods. The success of this reshuffle—and of Lammy in his expanded role—may prove decisive for Starmer’s leadership and the party’s electoral future.