By Milton Tella – The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a new set of ministers on day one of his election victory to reinforce his determination to create a stable government.
The PM has a number of female ministers in his cabinet, with the appointment of Angela Rayner as deputy PM and Levelling UP Minister, Rachel Reeves first female Chancellor, Yvette Cooper becoming Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood appointed Justice Secretary, Lisa Nandy Culture Secretary, Lucy Powell Leader of the Commons.
Other appointments include David Lammy as Foreign Secretary, John Heeley as Defence Secretary, Alan Campbell as Chief Whip, Wes Streeting as Health Secretary, Ed Miliband as Energy Secretary, Hilary Benn Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Steve Reed Environment Secretary, Bridget Phillipson Education Secretary, Liz Kendall as Work & Pensions, Peter Kyle Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary, Louise Haigh Transport Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds as Business & Trade Secretary, Jo Stevens Secretary of State for Wales, Baroness Smith of Basildon Leader of the Lords, Dareen Jones Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Richard Hermer Attorney General and Ian Murray Secretary of State for Scotland.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said, “It is the honour of my life to stand before you as Foreign Secretary. A descendant of enslaved people. A black, working class man from Tottenham. A community, which has never produced a Foreign Secretary before.
This speaks to what a modern, multicultural Britain can be. Proudly internationalist. Determined to deliver for working people.
And committed to building a better future for us all.
Britain has enormous potential. But the world faces huge challenges. More countries engaged in conflict than at any time since World War II. Rapidly changing technology. And a climate emergency.”
He further said, “This government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home.
What happens here in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is essential. Diplomacy matters.
We will begin with a reset with Europe, on climate and with the global South. And a gear-shift when it comes to delivering on European security, global security and British growth.
My story is a story of progress. Progress won by all those who fought for a better future. Together, let us fight for a better future once again. Change begins now.”