David Lammy Appointed as Deputy Prime Minister of the UK

Why in the news ?

• On 5th September 2025, there was a major political shake-up in the UK. Angela Rayner abruptly resigned from her positions as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice due to a tax scandal.
• Following this, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a cabinet reshuffle.

Key Responsibility Assigned to David Lammy

• British Foreign Secretary David Lammy was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Justice, and Lord Chancellor.
• This move is seen as an important step by Starmer to strengthen his leadership.

Major Changes in the Cabinet

Several senior leaders received new responsibilities in the reshuffle:

• Yvette Cooper → Foreign Secretary
• Shabana Mahmood → Home Secretary
• Steve Reed → Secretary of State for Housing
• Pat McFadden → Secretary of State for Work & Pensions

Additionally, Emma Reynolds, Peter Kyle, Douglas Alexander, Liz Kendall, and Jonathan Reynolds were assigned new roles.

Political Implications

• Rayner was a popular leader of the soft-left faction within the Labour Party.
• Her resignation has created a potential leadership vacuum and increased internal competition within the party.
• On the other hand, Starmer has signaled his intention to strengthen his leadership by promoting trusted allies like Lammy and Mahmood.
• This strategy is particularly significant ahead of the £40 billion budget deficit and the upcoming November budget.

About the United Kingdom

• Official Name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK)
• Capital: London
• Currency: British Pound Sterling
• Continent: Europe
• Location: Situated in Western and Northwestern Europe
• Maritime Borders:
  • North: North Sea
  • West: Atlantic Ocean
  • South: English Channel
  • West and Northwest: Irish Sea