Angela Rayner has been handed a significant promotion in Keir Starmer's shadow cabinet after a day of fraught negotiations, securing the role of shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and a newly created post as shadow secretary for the future of work. The reshuffle was delayed by a prolonged standoff with the deputy leader, who rejected an initial offer of the social care brief as a demotion.
Starmer also sacked shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds, promoting his close ally Rachel Reeves to the position in a move expected to inflame tensions with the party's left. Dodds will retain joint control over party matters as chair of Labour's policy review, while Rayner remains deputy leader with significant influence over internal party affairs.
The reshuffle followed disappointing local election results for Labour, but party sources expressed frustration that the internal row overshadowed victories in Wales, the West of England, and other areas. Rayner tweeted her commitment to reforming the party and reconnecting with working-class voters, adding 'United we stand, divided we fall.'
Other changes include the sacking of chief whip Nick Brown, a veteran of the Brown and Corbyn eras, replaced by Alan Campbell. Thangam Debbonaire becomes shadow leader of the Commons, Wes Streeting takes a new child poverty brief, and Lucy Powell becomes shadow housing secretary. Starmer said the party must embrace change and focus on bold ideas for the British people.
