Starmer’s Strategic Start: New Cabinet and Bold Ministerial Choices Signal Fresh Direction for UK Government

Keir Starmer to convene inaugural cabinet session following notable ministerial selections

As the newly formed government gears up for its initial working day, the prime minister's principal group has started to define their main objectives.

Political journalist @Journoamrogers

Saturday, July 6, 2024, 5:

Sir Keir Starmer is set to preside over his inaugural cabinet meeting as prime minister today, after Labour secured a landmark win in the recent elections.

The newly inaugurated Prime Minister announced his key cabinet appointments on Friday, maintaining a majority of the previous shadow cabinet members post-election.

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Rachel Reeves has taken on the role of Chancellor of the Exchequer, with Yvette Cooper appointed as Home Secretary. Wes Streeting has been named Health Secretary, Bridget Phillipson assumes the position of Education Secretary, and David Lammy has been designated Foreign Secretary.

In addition to selecting his cabinet, Sir Keir also made notable ministerial choices, notably appointing Sir Patrick Vallance, the UK’s chief scientific adviser during the pandemic, as the science minister.

In recent developments, James Timpson, the CEO renowned for his family's retail and key-cutting enterprise that hires former inmates, has been named the new prisons minister.

In a significant departure from the norm, Sir Keir Starmer selected the seasoned human rights attorney Richard Hermer KC as attorney general, succeeding Emily Thornberry who previously served as Labour's shadow attorney general before the election.

Upon assuming office, the newly appointed prime minister promptly engaged in discussions with several international leaders, such as US President Joe Biden, Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris, and Michelle O'Neill, the First Minister of Northern Ireland.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy extended his congratulations to Sir Keir on his appointment as prime minister, expressing his appreciation for Sir Keir's continued and resolute support for Ukraine from the UK.

The initial excitement for Labour was paired with indications that the party was eager to tackle the issues on the government's agenda.

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The incoming prime minister faces a challenging array of issues, such as a National Health Service backlog involving 6.33 million people, ongoing issues with migrant crossings in the Channel, an overcrowded prison system, and slow economic expansion.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that discussions with the British Medical Association (BMA), which represents the junior doctors currently on strike, are set to commence next week.

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Upon his appointment as the new foreign secretary, David Lammy expressed his desire to recalibrate relations, emphasizing a fresh start with Europe, improved ties with the Global South, and a renewed focus on climate issues.

He admitted that Labour's stance on Gaza had led to a loss of some votes and pledged to "do everything within my diplomatic power to assist Joe Biden in achieving that ceasefire."

When questioned whether he regretted labeling former US President Donald Trump as "a woman-hating, neo-Nazi sympathizing sociopath," Mr. Lammy responded, "I am prepared to collaborate with whoever the United States elects as their next president."

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Ahead of his initial cabinet assembly, Sir Keir received counsel from ex-home secretary Lord Blunkett, who suggested he "ease up on the control somewhat."

The Labour member of the House of Lords informed Sky News that Gordon Brown once worked 18-hour days throughout the week, which proved to be ineffective.

He stated that it led to a "significant bottleneck in decision-making," and warned that Sir Keir might soon struggle with "reinjecting momentum and vitality into the government."

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Lord Blunkett recommended that Sir Keir should form a cabinet and allow them to handle their responsibilities independently.

In his inaugural address as the prime minister, delivered from Downing Street, Sir Keir announced that he would dedicate Friday evenings post-6pm to family time. He emphasized that his administration is committed to serving the public and expressed his belief in the positive potential of politics.

"He stated, 'The nation has overwhelmingly chosen transformation, rejuvenation at a national level, and a shift back towards politics serving the public.'"

"We must act immediately, and we start now."

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