On the 5th, the UK Prime Minister's Office issued a statement announcing that Prime Minister Starmer has reshuffled the cabinet, affecting more than ten cabinet members. Among the changes, former Foreign Secretary Lammy has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister, succeeding Angela Rayner, who resigned over tax issues.
The statement said that the reshuffle has been formally approved by King Charles III. Former Home Secretary Cooper will replace Lammy as Foreign Secretary; former Justice Secretary Mahmood will succeed Cooper as Home Secretary, while Lammy will concurrently serve as Justice Secretary.
The statement announced that Rayner, former Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell, and former Secretary of State for Scotland Murray have all left the cabinet.
Earlier that day, Rayner announced her resignation from the cabinet, as well as her position as Labour Party Deputy Leader, after failing to pay £40,000 in stamp duty on her second home.
According to a previous official UK investigation, Rayner violated relevant official codes by not seeking further professional tax advice as recommended when purchasing her property.
British media believe that, at a time when the Labour Party led by Starmer has been overtaken in some polls by the up-and-coming right-wing opposition party Reform UK, the departure of Rayner, an important political ally, will put additional pressure on Starmer.