Ministerial shuffle announced by Starmer in the wake of Rayner's resignation

In a significant shake-up of the Labour government, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a series of changes in the Cabinet on Friday. The reshuffle saw Yvette Cooper moving from the Home Office to become the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy appointed as the new Deputy Prime Minister, and Shabana Mahmood taking over as the Home Secretary.

The changes came following the resignation of Angela Rayner as Deputy Prime Minister, Housing Secretary, and deputy leader of the Labour Party. Rayner stepped down due to a sleaze probe sparked by allegations of tax evasion and underpaying stamp duty on a property. She admitted to the error and expressed regret for not seeking additional specialist tax advice. Sir Laurie Magnus, the independent ethics adviser, believed that Rayner acted in "good faith" but stressed that the responsibility for tax payments rests with the individual.

With Rayner's departure, Steve Reed took over as Housing Secretary, leaving behind his role as Environment Secretary. Peter Kyle was appointed as the new Business Secretary, while Pat McFadden is set to take over a new "super ministry" comprised of the Department for Work and Pensions and the skills remit of the Department for Education. Darren Jones takes over the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, previously held by McFadden.

In a show of support for Rayner, Sir Keir Starmer stated that she would "remain a major figure in our party" and "continue to fight for the causes you care so passionately about". He also mentioned that she would be a valuable asset in her new role outside of the Cabinet.

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to announce more changes later today, with speculation suggesting that key government offices such as Chancellor, Finance Minister, and Foreign Minister may be held by female politicians. However, the specific names of these female politicians are not yet confirmed.

Meanwhile, prior to his new appointment, David Lammy served as Britain's top diplomat - the Foreign Secretary - over the last year. Jonathan Reynolds has been moved from the Business Secretary post to become the Government Chief Whip. Liz Kendall takes over Peter Kyle's old job as Science Secretary. Sir Alan Campbell is the new Leader of the House of Commons, and Ian Murray, formerly Scotland secretary, was replaced by Douglas Alexander.

Lucy Powell, the former Commons leader, was sacked as part of the reshuffle. The Prime Minister used Rayner's decision to quit as an opportunity for a major shake-up of the Cabinet, aiming to strengthen his government's position ahead of the upcoming elections.