UK Deputy PM’s resignation sets into motion wider Starmer cabinet reshuffle

Powell said Starmer had told her he planned to bring in a new leader for the Commons, a role responsible for managing government business in parliament.

By: Express Web Desk

Updated: September 5, 2025 10:10 PM IST

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaves 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly Prime Ministers' Questions session in parliament in London. (AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer carried out a significant cabinet reshuffle on Friday following the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who admitted to underpaying tax on a new home.

The changes saw senior figures moved across government, including the removal of Commons leader Lucy Powell and reports that foreign minister David Lammy will be replaced.

Powell said Starmer had told her he planned to bring in a new leader for the Commons, a role responsible for managing government business in the Parliament.

Also read | UK Deputy PM Angela Rayner resigns over stamp duty row in fresh blow for PM Starmer

“This has not been an easy time for the government. People want to see change and improvements to their difficult lives,” she said in a statement on social media platform X. Powell had been appointed to the job in July 2024 after Labour’s landslide election win.

As per The Guardian, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper will move to the Foreign Office to replace Lammy. Local media said Lammy is expected to become deputy prime minister and justice secretary, while Shabana Mahmood, currently justice secretary, is set to replace Cooper at the Home Office.

The reshuffle, a major test of Starmer’s authority since Labour entered government, comes at a time when the party has fallen behind Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in some opinion polls, increasing pressure on Starmer to steady his cabinet and respond to voter concerns.

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