Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announces cabinet roles
The Labour leader has been announcing who will take on top jobs within his government
Last updated 5th Jul 2024
The Labour leader and new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been announcing his cabinet appointments, which include the UK's first ever female Chancellor.
Rachel Reeves is taking on the job, having been Shadow Chancellor during Labour's time in opposition.
Angela Rayner continues her remit as Deputy Leader by being appointed Deputy Prime Minister. She will also take charge of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
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Labour National Campaign Co-ordinator Pat McFadden has been announced as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
David Lammy has been appointed as Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper moves into the job of Home Secretary and John Healey is the new Defence Secretary.
Shabana Mahmood Justice Secretary, Wes Streeting Health Secretary, Bridget Phillipson Education Secretary and Ed Miliband Energy Secretary.
In his first speech on Downing Street, Sir Keir said the British people had voted "decisively for change".
Sir Keir said the country could "move forward together" as Labour took office following 14 years of Conservative rule.
He said: "Now our country has voted decisively for change, for national renewal and a return of politics to public service.
"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."
He said "my Government will serve you, politics can be a force for good", adding: "The work of change begins immediately, but have no doubt, we will rebuild Britain."
Sir Keir Starmer gave a speech in Downing Street at lunchtime after going to King Charles to officially form a government.
He arrived with his wife Victoria, greeted by huge crowds of jubilant Labour activists.
Prospective cabinet ministers then began to arrive, with the first being the now Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.