Starmer to Reshuffle Labour Shadow Cabinet as MPs Return to Westminster

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer is anticipated to reshuffle his shadow cabinet on Monday as MPs return from summer recess. The shake-up coincides with Sue Gray’s first day as Starmer’s chief of staff.

Starmer’s most senior shadow ministers are expected to remain in place, including Rachel Reeves as shadow chancellor, Wes Streeting at shadow health, and Yvette Cooper as shadow home secretary.

However, there is speculation over deputy leader Angela Rayner’s role. Currently shadowing the Cabinet Office, some believe Starmer may move Rayner to spearhead a specific domestic policy area instead.

Potential promotions being discussed include Darren Jones, who chairs the parliamentary business committee. His effective questioning of companies at hearings has earned positive attention.

Jones could take on shadow environment secretary if current secretary Jim McMahon is demoted. Labor also needs to fill shadow science, innovation, and technology secretary.

Lucy Powell, the current shadow digital, culture, and media secretary, is another name floated for the tech-focused post. Her digital policy experience could be a fit.

The reshuffle comes as Conservative PM Rishi Sunak also made minor cabinet changes last week, naming Grant Shapps as the new defense secretary. Further Tory reshuffling is expected later this year.

With party conferences approaching in October, Starmer and Sunak are shoring up teams ahead of the next general election, anticipated in 2023.

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