Keir Starmer Appoints David Lammy as Deputy PM Amid Cabinet Shake-Up Following Angela Rayner’s Resignation:

London, Sept 6 — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed David Lammy as the new Deputy Prime Minister, replacing Angela Rayner, who resigned following a tax underpayment scandal that led to a breach of the Ministerial Code. Lammy, 53, who served as Foreign Secretary, has also been handed the portfolio of Justice Secretary, reflecting Starmer’s confidence in his leadership during a major Cabinet reshuffle. The shake-up at the top of government comes after Angela Rayner, a key figure in the Labour Party and a close ally of Starmer, admitted she failed to seek expert tax advice regarding stamp duty liabilities on a second home she purchased on the south coast of England. She also stepped down from her role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Yvette Cooper Takes Over as Foreign Secretary As part of the broader reshuffle, Yvette Cooper, formerly Home Secretary, has now been appointed as the new Foreign Secretary, succeeding Lammy at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Meanwhile, Shabana Mahmood, a rising star in British politics of Pakistani descent, has been promoted to the Home Office from her previous role at the Ministry of Justice. Tax Underpayment Row: What Happened? Rayner’s resignation followed a fast-tracked inquiry led by Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister’s Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards. The probe concluded that Rayner had breached the Ministerial Code by failing to obtain professional tax advice when purchasing her new property. Although Rayner initially believed she was acting within legal parameters, the inquiry found that she underpaid an estimated £40,000 in Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), based on the classification of her new home as a primary residence. A pre-existing property, held in trust for her disabled son, complicated the tax implications—making the Hove flat a second home, which carries an additional surcharge. Magnus noted: “I believe Ms Rayner has acted with integrity and commitment to public service. However, her failure to meet her SDLT liability, revealed only under media scrutiny, constitutes a breach of the high standards expected under the Code.” Rayner Responds with Regret In her resignation letter, Rayner said: “I deeply regret not seeking additional specialist tax advice. It was never my intention to pay less than what was owed. The ongoing media pressure has taken a toll on my family, and I must prioritise their well-being.” Prime Minister Starmer responded with a rare handwritten note, praising Rayner as a “trusted colleague” and “true friend,” while expressing sadness over her departure. He acknowledged her contributions and confirmed she would continue to play a major role in the Labour Party from the backbenches. As the Labour government resets its Cabinet, Starmer’s swift reshuffle aims to reinforce public trust and maintain political momentum ahead of critical parliamentary sessions.

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