UK Prime Minister Starmer Begins Major Downing Street Team Reshuffle

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has initiated a significant reshuffle in his Downing Street team to reset and strengthen his government after a challenging first year. Darren Jones, formerly chief secretary to the Treasury and deputy to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has been appointed to a newly created role as chief secretary to the prime minister, overseeing the daily delivery of the PM's priorities and attending cabinet. James Murray has been promoted to Jones's former role as chief secretary to the Treasury, while new appointments include economist Baroness Minouche Shafik as chief economic adviser and Tim Allan, a former adviser to Tony Blair, as Executive Director of Communications. The reshuffle also includes the departure of key figures such as Liz Lloyd and James Lyons, with Dan York-Smith brought in to bolster economic expertise ahead of a challenging autumn budget. The changes reflect Starmer's desire to inject greater urgency and radicalism into government operations, particularly in economic policy and communications, as he faces declining poll ratings and significant domestic challenges.