Keir Starmer is appointing his Cabinet as he begins his overhaul of the Government after 14 years of Tory leadership. Here’s what you need to know about the new top team
Watch LIVE: Cabinet appointments in Downing Street
Keir Starmer has become the first Labour Prime Minister in 14 years after toppling the Tories with a thumping election victory.
In his first speech outside No10, Mr Starmer vowed to rebuild Britain “brick by brick” and restore voters trust after years of Conservative chaos and calamity. He said: “When the gap between the sacrifices made by people and the service they receive from politicians grows this big, it leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation, a draining away of the hope, the spirit, the belief in a better future.
“But we need to move forward together. Now this wound, this lack of trust can only be healed by actions not words, I know that. But we can make a start today with the simple acknowledgement that public service is a privilege and that your government should treat every single person in this country with respect.”
Mr Starmer has started appointing his top team as he begins his overhaul of the Government after 14 years of Conservative leadership.
Here’s what you need to know about the new faces leading the country.
Angela Rayner
Labour’s first ever female Deputy PM has made a remarkable journey to the top of Government. Ms Rayner grew up on a council estate in Stockport, Greater Manchester, and became a single mum at 16.
She has spoken about how a Labour Government changed her life through its Sure Start programme, and she went on to become a care worker and union rep, before being elected as MP for Ashton-under-Lyne in 2015. She served under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership and was elected by the membership as Deputy Leader in 2020.
Ms Rayner, 44, also becomes Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Rachel Reeves
History-maker Rachel Reeves becomes Britain’s first female Chancellor – and one of the most powerful people in Government. She has developed a reputation for ruthless discipline on spending after spending the last few years restoring confidence in Labour on the economy.
The daughter of two teachers, Ms Reeves grew up in south London with her MP sister Ellie Reeves where she was a keen chess player. She worked as an analyst at the Bank of England before becoming MP for Leeds West in 2010. She refused to serve under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership and instead chaired the Commons Business Committee.
This piece is being updated as Cabinet appointments are made
