David Lammy named new deputy PM, replacing Angela Rayner

WorldPolitics
5 Sep 2025 • 11:33 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • David Lammy has been named the new deputy prime minister, replacing Angela Rayner, who has resigned from the government after underpaying stamp duty on an £800,000 seaside flat.
  • Sir Keir Starmer’s ethics advisor concluded she had breached the ministerial code by failing to pay the correct amount of tax, making her position untenable.
  • On Friday, Sir Keir launched a major cabinet reshuffle, which was planned for later in the autumn but brought forward following the stamp duty saga.
  • Mr Lammy is also being moved from foreign secretary to justice secretary, filling the spot vacated by Shabana Mahmood, who has been named the new home secretary.
  • Replacing Mr Lammy as foreign secretary is Yvette Cooper, who moves into the slot from the Home Office.

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