London, UK — September 5, 2025 — Keir Starmer has appointed David Lammy as Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary in a major UK Cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of Angela Rayner.
Lammy, the Labour MP for Tottenham, takes on the dual role as part of Starmer’s efforts to restore stability after a turbulent week. Alongside his appointment, Yvette Cooper was named Foreign Secretary, while Shabana Mahmood became the new Home Secretary, replacing Cooper.
Angela Rayner’s resignation over tax breach
Rayner resigned as Deputy Prime Minister, Housing Secretary and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party after admitting she had underpaid stamp duty on her £800,000 flat in Hove, East Sussex.
She referred herself to the Prime Minister’s ethics adviser, whose report concluded she had breached the ministerial code and “did not heed the caution” in legal advice. In her resignation letter, Rayner said she accepted “full responsibility” for the “error.”
Starmer reacts to Rayner exit
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “very sad” to see Rayner leave government but added she would remain a “major figure” in the Labour Party.
“Angela has been a passionate and determined advocate for fairness, and her contribution to our movement is far from over,” Starmer said.
David Lammy’s rise in Labour leadership
Lammy, a barrister by background, has been one of Labour’s strongest voices on justice reform, social equality, and race relations. His promotion to Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary signals Starmer’s trust in his ability to lead on legal and constitutional matters.
The reshuffle also strengthens Labour’s frontbench team, with Cooper and Mahmood stepping into two of the most senior positions in government.
Key takeaways
- David Lammy Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary
- Angela Rayner resigns over tax scandal and ministerial code breach
- Yvette Cooper appointed Foreign Secretary
- Shabana Mahmood becomes Home Secretary
- Starmer says Rayner will remain “a major figure” in Labour
This Cabinet reshuffle marks one of the biggest changes since Labour came to power, reshaping the UK political landscape and positioning Lammy as a central figure in Starmer’s leadership team.
