Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled his Cabinet following Labour's landslide general election victory, making history with Rachel Reeves appointed as Britain's first ever female Chancellor of the Exchequer. Angela Rayner takes on the role of Deputy Prime Minister alongside Housing Secretary, while key figures such as Yvette Cooper and David Lammy retain their shadow portfolios as Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary respectively.
In her first address to Treasury staff, Reeves emphasised that the government's central mission is to restore economic growth. 'I want this to be the most pro-growth Treasury in our country's history,' she said, vowing to work 'hand in glove with business'. She also highlighted the significance of her appointment for young women, stating 'there should be no ceilings on your ambitions'.
David Lammy, appointed Foreign Secretary, called for an 'immediate ceasefire' in the Gaza conflict and pledged tireless diplomacy to secure the release of hostages. He also confirmed he would work with whoever wins the US presidency, including Donald Trump. Yvette Cooper, as Home Secretary, promised to put neighbourhood police back on streets and establish a new Border Security Command to address the Channel small boats crisis.
Other notable appointments include Ed Miliband as Energy Secretary, Wes Streeting as Health Secretary, and Bridget Phillipson as Education Secretary. John Healey becomes Defence Secretary, Shabana Mahmood Justice Secretary, and Liz Kendall Work and Pensions Secretary. The Cabinet also features Jonathan Reynolds (Business), Peter Kyle (Science), Louise Haigh (Transport), Lisa Nandy (Culture), Steve Reed (Environment), Hilary Benn (Northern Ireland), Ian Murray (Scotland), and Jo Stevens (Wales).
However, Labour faces significant challenges, including tight fiscal constraints and the need to address immigration and public service funding. Cooper acknowledged the financial limits, while the party must also replace shadow ministers who lost their seats, such as Thangam Debbonaire and Jon Ashworth.
