The prime minister has carried out a major reshuffle of his cabinet – triggered by the resignation of Angela Rayner, who was found to have breached the ministerial code over her tax affairs.
David Lammy has been stripped of his role as foreign secretary, and given the job of justice secretary, along with the role of deputy prime minister.
Mr Lammy‘s move was one of the most momentous of Sir Keir Starmer‘s ministerial reshuffle on Friday afternoon, which saw a whole host of roles change hands, and two departments partially combined.
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The PM moved him away from one of the great offices of state, despite his apparently burgeoning ‘bromance’ with US vice president JD Vance. But Mr Lammy benefited from Ms Rayner‘s departure.
The deputy PM and housing secretary resigned from government on Friday morning, after it was found she had breached the ministerial code. Sir Keir regretfully accepted her resignation, leaving her roles vacant.
Thus began the ministerial reshuffle, brought forward by several weeks as a result of Ms Rayner’s departure.
Mr Lammy has been given the role of deputy prime minister, and appeared cheery on Friday afternoon – strolling up Downing Street in the sunshine with a big smile on his face.
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David Lammy appointed deputy PM
His move from the Foreign Office to the Ministry of Justice then allowed Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, to take on Mr Lammy’s previous job. She has never served in any role involving foreign affairs…
