David Lammy has been appointed Britain’s new Deputy Prime Minister in a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle triggered by Angela Rayner’s dramatic resignation over her tax affairs.
The move, confirmed late on Thursday, cements Mr Lammy’s position at the heart of Sir Keir Starmer’s Government and marks one of the most significant shifts in Labour’s leadership since it came to power 14 months ago.
Mr Lammy, 51, will also leave his post as Foreign Secretary to take charge of the Ministry of Justice, assuming responsibility for prisons, courts, and constitutional reform at a time when public trust in the Government is under strain.
The Conservative Party wasted no time attacking the reshuffle. Tory chair Richard Holden said: “Labour promised stability but is already descending into chaos. The Deputy Prime Minister has resigned in disgrace, and now we have a reshuffle designed to paper over the cracks.”
The Liberal Democrats struck a more cautious tone, saying the appointment was “welcome” but urging Mr Lammy to focus on delivery. “The justice system is collapsing. This appointment must be about reform, not just damage control,” said Munira Wilson, the party’s education spokesperson.
Starmer’s Most Trusted Ally
Seen as one of Sir Keir’s most loyal allies and a seasoned voice within the party, Mr Lammy’s promotion is both a reward for his political resilience and a recognition of his ability to steady the ship after a turbulent week.
Speaking after his appointment, Mr Lammy said he was “deeply honoured” to take on the role: “This is a government elected to deliver fairness, security, and opportunity. My task will be to ensure we live up to that promise, especially for those who have waited too long for justice.”
Sir Keir, in a statement, described his new deputy as “a formidable campaigner and a trusted colleague whose leadership will be vital in the months ahead.”
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Fallout From Rayner’s Resignation
The reshuffle follows the dramatic fall of Angela Rayner, who resigned as Deputy Prime Minister, Housing Secretary, and Deputy Labour Leader after a Telegraph investigation revealed she had failed to seek proper tax advice on a property purchase, avoiding £40,000 in stamp duty.
Sir Laurie Magnus, the independent adviser on ministers’ interests, concluded that while Ms Rayner had acted with “integrity,” her failure to obtain proper tax advice meant she had breached the ministerial code by not meeting the “highest possible standards of conduct.”
Her departure leaves a significant void at the top of government and has forced Sir Keir into an urgent reset, just days after he had attempted to relaunch his premiership.
Cooper and Mahmood Shift Portfolios
As part of the reshuffle: Yvette Cooper is expected to move from the Home Office to replace Mr Lammy as Foreign Secretary. Shabana Mahmood, the current Justice Secretary, is tipped to become Home Secretary, where she will face the politically charged task of tackling small boat crossings and overseeing asylum policy.
If confirmed, Ms Mahmood will inherit one of the most difficult jobs in government, with more than 50,000 people having reached Britain by small boat since Labour took office. She will also need to deliver on Labour’s pledge to close asylum hotels amid nationwide protests.
Ms Cooper’s transfer from the Home Office is viewed as one of the most consequential elements of the reshuffle. Her tenure was overshadowed by the Southport riots, rising migration numbers, and renewed scrutiny of historical child exploitation scandals.
Mr Lammy was born in Tottenham to Guyanese parents, he rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most prominent Black politicians in Britain. His appointment reinforces Sir Keir’s message of leading a government that reflects the country’s diversity.
A Harvard-educated barrister, Mr Lammy has long been known for his passionate advocacy on social justice and equality. In opposition, he was a leading voice on the Windrush scandal and racial disparities in the justice system. His new role places him in charge of delivering reforms he has campaigned for over two decades.
Despite the celebration of his appointment, Mr Lammy faces daunting challenges. The Ministry of Justice is grappling with record prison overcrowding, a backlog of more than 60,000 criminal cases, and mounting pressure for constitutional reform.
As Deputy Prime Minister, he will also be Sir Keir’s key deputy in navigating a fragile government rocked by scandal and resignation. Analysts say his role will be pivotal in holding the Cabinet together and reassuring voters that Labour remains a credible government despite recent crises.
Dr James, constitutional expert at the Institute for Government, said: “This is a defining moment for Starmer’s government. Lammy’s appointment is both a stabilising move and a signal that Labour is serious about justice reform. But the pressure will be immense.”
While Sir Keir praised Ms Rayner’s service and insisted she would remain a “major figure” in the Labour Party, the reality is that her resignation has destabilised the Government and emboldened critics who argue Labour has yet to prove itself ready to govern with competence.
For Mr Lammy, the new role offers both opportunity and risk. As one of the most high-profile ministers in government, he will be judged not only on his ability to manage the justice system but also on whether he can help Sir Keir rebuild confidence in a government facing its toughest test yet.
