KEIR STARMER, Britain’s new prime minister following Labour’s 2024 election victory, has appointed Rachel Reeves as the country’s first female chancellor of the exchequer and Angela Rayner as his deputy prime minister.
Reeves, 45, a former Bank of England economist, aims to repair relations with the business community, while Rayner, 44, known for her grassroots ties, will oversee levelling up, housing, and communities.
Shabana Mahmood, a former barrister, takes on the roles of justice minister and lord chancellor, becoming the second woman after Liz Truss to hold these positions. David Lammy, 51, a long-time advocate for social and racial justice, becomes foreign minister, emphasising a policy of “progressive realism” in international affairs. Lisa Nandy, 42, assumes the role of culture minister, continuing Labour’s focus on arts and media policy.
Yvette Cooper, 55, a seasoned Labour politician, steps into the role of interior minister, pledging to focus on law and order. John Healey, 64, appointed as defence minister, vows to support Ukraine and advocate for peace in Gaza. Wes Streeting, 41, takes charge of the Health Ministry, tasked with addressing the NHS’s challenges.
Ed Miliband, 54, former Labour leader, leads efforts as Energy Security and Net Zero Minister, focusing on green energy initiatives. Jonathan Reynolds, 43, assumes the position of Business Minister, aiming to strengthen ties between Labour and the business community.
Rachel Reeves – Finance Minister*
Rachel Reeves, 45, a former Bank of England economist, takes charge as Britain’s first female Finance Minister. She aims to mend relations with the business community and uphold fiscal discipline while exploring strategic investments.
Angela Rayner – Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities*
Angela Rayner, 44, known for her grassroots ties, assumes the role of Deputy Prime Minister. She will also oversee efforts to promote equality across regions, housing initiatives, and community development.
Shabana Mahmood – Justice Minister and Lord Chancellor
Shabana Mahmood, a former barrister, becomes Justice Minister and Lord Chancellor. She focuses on judicial reforms and upholding the rule of law, aiming to bring equitable justice to all.
David Lammy – Foreign Minister
David Lammy, 51, a vocal advocate for social justice, takes on the role of Foreign Minister. He prioritises international relations based on “progressive realism,” emphasising security, prosperity, and human rights.
Lisa Nandy – Culture Minister*
Lisa Nandy, 42, assumes the position of Culture Minister, focusing on policies affecting arts, media, and cultural heritage. Her role includes promoting cultural diversity and creative industries.
Yvette Cooper – Interior Minister*
Yvette Cooper, 55, a veteran Labour politician, becomes Interior Minister. She pledges to enhance domestic security and policing, focusing on law and order issues nationwide.
John Healey – Defence Minister*
John Healey, 64, appointed as Defence Minister, vows to support national defence and international peace efforts. He focuses on strategic defence policies amid global conflicts.
Wes Streeting – Health Minister
Wes Streeting, 41, tasked with overseeing Britain’s National Health Service (NHS), takes charge as Health Minister. He aims to address healthcare challenges and improve NHS services.
Ed Miliband – Energy Security and Net Zero Minister
Ed Miliband, 54, leads efforts as Energy Security and Net Zero Minister. He focuses on advancing Britain’s clean energy agenda and achieving environmental sustainability goals.
Jonathan Reynolds – Business Minister*
Jonathan Reynolds, 43, becomes Business Minister, fostering partnerships between Labour and the business sector. His focus includes promoting green energy investments and economic resilience.
A 1996 photo of rapper Tupac Shakur (L) and Marion "Suge" Knight is shown on screens during closing arguments in the Duane Davis murder trial, related to the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur, at Clark County District Court at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 31, 2026. Getty Images
A rescuer assists a resident through heavy mud following flash floods on August 27, 2026 in Trishuli, Nepal. A sudden flood swept through the Bhote Koshi River basin in northern Rasuwa on August 26, damaging settlements, roads and energy infrastructure as rescue teams searched for residents and foreign travellers reported out of contact. Hundreds were reported missing, as the death toll started to climb.Getty Images
Rescue personnel provide medical treatment to a child at an army rescue camp in Trishuli Batar, Nepal, on August 27, 2026. A sudden flood swept through the Bhote Koshi River basin in northern Rasuwa on August 26, damaging settlements, roads and energy infrastructure, as rescue teams searched for residents and foreign travellers reported out of contact. Hundreds were reported missing as the death toll began to climb. Getty Ima
Family members of missing flood victims react at the emergency ward of the Maharajgunj Medical Campus, part of the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, on August 28, 2026 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Authorities said the flash floods were triggered after a mass of ice, mud and rock collapsed into a Himalayan river near the Nepal-China border, leaving hundreds dead or missing and causing widespread damage in affected districts. Authorities continued the gruelling search for victims, many buried under metres of mud, as both China and Nepal issued fresh flooding alerts.Getty Images