David Lammy appointed UK Deputy PM, Justice Secretary after Rayner resignation

Following Angela Rayner's resignation due to a tax underpayment scandal, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer conducted a significant cabinet reshuffle. David Lammy, formerly Foreign Secretary, was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, marking a move from one of the great offices of state to a combined role with substantial responsibility. Yvette Cooper transitioned from Home Secretary to Foreign Secretary, while Shabana Mahmood was promoted to Home Secretary, completing a historic moment where the three highest offices after the Prime Minister are held by women. The reshuffle also included Steve Reed becoming Housing Secretary and Pete McFadden taking on a newly created role overseeing Work and Pensions. Lammy, noted for his critical stance on Israel and his close personal friendship with US Vice President JD Vance, took on his new roles with optimism despite the partial downgrading from Foreign Secretary. These changes come as Labour faces challenges in opinion polls, with the reshuffle seen as part of Starmer's 'phase two' focused on delivering key government priorities.