Just hours after Angela Rayner resigned from the post of the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy has been appointed as her successor in a significant cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday (September 5). Alongside his elevation, Lammy has also been handed the Justice portfolio, reflecting the government’s intent to steady the ship after a turbulent week.&nbsp;Rayner’s departure—amid criticism over unpaid stamp duty—had left a key void in Starmer’s administration. By turning to Lammy, one of Labour’s most experienced and outspoken figures, Downing Street signalled a desire for stability, continuity, and a steady political hand at a time when the government faces mounting challenges both domestically and abroad.&nbsp;Lammy’s appointment was met with measured optimism within Labour ranks. Known for his sharp oratory and deep policy expertise, he is expected to play a central role in guiding government priorities and serving as Starmer’s key deputy in Parliament. His dual role as Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary places him at the heart of decision-making, balancing the demands of governance with the promise of reform.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It is the honour of my life to be appointed Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary by <a href="https://twitter.com/Keir_Starmer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Keir_Starmer</a>. Ever since I was a boy growing up in Tottenham, I’ve been determined to help make this country fairer, safer and better off. 1/2 <a href="https://t.co/X2tUgByEiZ">https://t.co/X2tUgByEiZ</a>&mdash; David Lammy (@DavidLammy) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidLammy/status/1964012760875901176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Who is David Lammy?</h3>David Lindon Lammy, 53, has been the Labour MP for Tottenham since 2000 and is one of the party’s longest-serving parliamentarians. Born to Guyanese parents in London, Lammy studied law at SOAS and went on to become the first Black Briton to study at Harvard Law School.&nbsp;He has previously held ministerial positions under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and more recently served as Foreign Secretary until this week’s reshuffle. Lammy is particularly recognised for his work on social justice and racial equality, most notably through the 2017 Lammy Review, which examined racial disparities in the UK criminal justice system.Beyond politics, he is also an author and broadcaster, known for his book Tribes, which explored issues of identity and belonging in modern Britain. Lammy’s rise to the post of Deputy Prime Minister marks a defining moment in his career—one that places him firmly at the centre of the UK’s political landscape.

David Lammy appointed as UK's new Deputy Prime Minister. Who is he?

Just hours after Angela Rayner resigned from the post of the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy has been appointed as her successor in a significant cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday (September 5). Alongside his elevation, Lammy has also been handed the Justice portfolio, reflecting the government’s intent to steady the ship after a turbulent week. Rayner’s departure—amid criticism over unpaid stamp duty—had left a key void in Starmer’s administration. By turning to Lammy, one of Labour’s most experienced and outspoken figures, Downing Street signalled a desire for stability, continuity, and a steady political hand at a time when the government faces mounting challenges both domestically and abroad. Lammy’s appointment was met with measured optimism within Labour ranks. Known for his sharp oratory and deep policy expertise, he is expected to play a central role in guiding government priorities and serving as Starmer’s key deputy in Parliament. His dual role as Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary places him at the heart of decision-making, balancing the demands of governance with the promise of reform.

Just hours after Angela Rayner resigned from the post of UKs deputy prime minister, David Lammy has been appointed as the new deputy prime minister

Angela Rayner has stepped down as the Deputy Prime Minister after the prime minister’s ethics adviser concluded she had breached the ministerial code by underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside flat. The ruling by Sir Laurie Magnus has delivered a major setback to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While Magnus acknowledged that Rayner had served “with integrity and exemplary dedication,” he determined that her handling of the property purchase failed to meet the standards required of ministers.&nbsp;Rayner’s resignation removes one of the most visible figures in Starmer’s cabinet. She has relinquished her posts as deputy prime minister, housing secretary, and deputy Labour leader — a dramatic departure that leaves the government without one of its most authentic working-class voices at a time when Labour is trailing Reform UK in the polls. Downing Street confirmed that a reshuffle will now follow, though Chancellor Rachel Reeves will remain in her position.<h3>Rayner’s reasons for stepping down</h3>In a resignation letter, Rayner said she “deeply regrets” not seeking specialist tax advice when purchasing her flat in Hove. She acknowledged the heavy strain on her family from sustained media scrutiny, writing that while her journey from “a teenage mum from a council estate in Stockport” to high office had been “the honour of my life,” the toll had become untenable.&nbsp;Rayner referred herself to the ethics watchdog after it emerged she would be required to pay additional stamp duty, potentially as much as £40,000, for wrongly claiming the property as her only home. At the time of the purchase, she was spending much of her time at the family house in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, though she had placed her stake in that property into a trust created to provide for her disabled son. The revelations have fuelled accusations of hypocrisy, particularly as Labour is expected to tighten taxes on property owners in the upcoming autumn budget.<h3>Who is Angela Rayner?</h3>Angela Rayner’s political journey is one of the most striking in modern British politics. Born in Stockport and leaving school at 16 while pregnant, she trained as a care worker before becoming a trade union representative. Her rapid rise in politics saw her elected as MP for Ashton-under-Lyne in 2015. Known for her plain-spoken style and strong working-class identity, Rayner has often been seen as a bridge between Labour and its traditional voter base. She has been a vocal advocate for social housing, workers’ rights, and education reform, and her life story has made her a powerful symbol of aspiration within the party. Her departure is a significant loss for Labour, not only because of her senior posts but because of the authenticity she brought to the frontbench — authenticity the party is struggling to project at a time of political fragility.

UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigns. Here's why

Angela Rayner has stepped down as the Deputy Prime Minister after the prime minister’s ethics adviser concluded she had breached the ministerial code by underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside flat. The ruling by Sir Laurie Magnus has delivered a major setback to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While Magnus acknowledged that Rayner had served “with integrity and exemplary dedication,” he determined that her handling of the property purchase failed to meet the standards required of ministers. Rayner’s resignation removes one of the most visible figures in Starmer’s cabinet. She has relinquished her posts as deputy prime minister, housing secretary, and deputy Labour leader — a dramatic departure that leaves the government without one of its most authentic working-class voices at a time when Labour is trailing Reform UK in the polls. Downing Street confirmed that a reshuffle will now follow, though Chancellor Rachel Reeves will remain in her position. Rayner’s reasons for stepping down In a resignation letter, Rayner said she “deeply regrets” not seeking specialist tax advice when purchasing her flat in Hove. She acknowledged the heavy strain on her family from sustained media scrutiny, writing that while her journey from “a teenage mum from a council estate in Stockport” to high office had been “the honour of my life,” the toll had become untenable. Rayner referred herself to the ethics watchdog after it emerged she would be required to pay additional stamp duty, potentially as much as £40,000, for wrongly claiming the property as her only home. At the time of the purchase, she was spending much of her time at the family house in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, though she had placed her stake in that property into a trust created to provide for her disabled son. The revelations have fuelled accusations of hypocrisy, particularly as Labour is expected to tighten taxes on property owners in the upcoming autumn budget. Who is Angela Rayner? Angela Rayner’s political journey is one of the most striking in modern British politics. Born in Stockport and leaving school at 16 while pregnant, she trained as a care worker before becoming a trade union representative. Her rapid rise in politics saw her elected as MP for Ashton-under-Lyne in 2015. Known for her plain-spoken style and strong working-class identity, Rayner has often been seen as a bridge between Labour and its traditional voter base. She has been a vocal advocate for social housing, workers’ rights, and education reform, and her life story has made her a powerful symbol of aspiration within the party. Her departure is a significant loss for Labour, not only because of her senior posts but because of the authenticity she brought to the frontbench — authenticity the party is struggling to project at a time of political fragility.

Angela Rayner quits as deputy PM and Labour deputy leader after ethics probe finds stamp duty breach, dealing major blow to Keir Starmer’s authority

The UK's Deputy Secretary Angela Rayner, in a bold move, has formally demanded an explanation from China about the redacted portion of its planning document for the proposed ‘mega-embassy’ at the Royal Mint Court in London. Rayner has given a two-week deadline to Beijing to respond. China should either submit an unredacted drawing or justify the omission. The final decision on the application for the blueprint is expected on September 9.<h2>What is redacted? Why is it triggering fear in the UK?</h2>The proposed ‘mega-embassy’ drawing submitted by DP9, the planning consultancy representing the Chinese embassy, has some parts which were greyed out ‘for security reasons’. The basement master plan includes two underground suites and a tunnel, which is called by some critics a modern-day ‘spy dungeon’. Moreover, the ‘internal arrangements’ of the Cultural Exchange Building and Embassy House are also hidden.&nbsp;The US have reportedly pressurised the UK to reject the proposal on security grounds. Its proximity to the hub of sensitive communication infrastructures and key financial centres, has given rise to potential espionage risks.The proposed mega-embassy has been there since 2021; the first plan had a 620,000 sq ft diplomatic outpost. It was supposed to be 10 times the size of China’s existing base. It was supposed to contain the embassy, offices, 225 homes and a “cultural exchange” building. But there were significant protests about the location of the site. The Chinese Government had reportedly acquired this property for £255m in 2018. &nbsp;There had been protests from the activists outside the Chinese consulate in Manchester in 2022 and which led to a scuffle with security guards of the building. The fresh revival has sparked serious debates among Britons, with many critics of the Labour Party calling it a new low for the United Kingdom. However, observers, like Luke de Pulford of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, think that this hints at a denial of the proposed embassy plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a letter, UK Deputy Secretary Angela Rayner has demanded an explanation from Beijing about the greyed-out parts of the drawing of the proposed  ‘mega-embassy’ within two weeks.

The UK's Deputy Secretary Angela Rayner, in a bold move, has formally demanded an explanation from China about the redacted portion of its planning document for the proposed ‘mega-embassy’ at the Royal Mint Court in London. Rayner has given a two-week deadline to Beijing to respond. China should either submit an unredacted drawing or justify the omission. The final decision on the application for the blueprint is expected on September 9. What is redacted? Why is it triggering fear in the UK? The proposed ‘mega-embassy’ drawing submitted by DP9, the planning consultancy representing the Chinese embassy, has some parts which were greyed out ‘for security reasons’. The basement master plan includes two underground suites and a tunnel, which is called by some critics a modern-day ‘spy dungeon’. Moreover, the ‘internal arrangements’ of the Cultural Exchange Building and Embassy House are also hidden. The US have reportedly pressurised the UK to reject the proposal on security grounds. Its proximity to the hub of sensitive communication infrastructures and key financial centres, has given rise to potential espionage risks. The proposed mega-embassy has been there since 2021; the first plan had a 620,000 sq ft diplomatic outpost. It was supposed to be 10 times the size of China’s existing base. It was supposed to contain the embassy, offices, 225 homes and a “cultural exchange” building. But there were significant protests about the location of the site. The Chinese Government had reportedly acquired this property for £255m in 2018. There had been protests from the activists outside the Chinese consulate in Manchester in 2022 and which led to a scuffle with security guards of the building. The fresh revival has sparked serious debates among Britons, with many critics of the Labour Party calling it a new low for the United Kingdom. However, observers, like Luke de Pulford of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, think that this hints at a denial of the proposed embassy plan.

In a letter, UK Deputy Secretary Angela Rayner has demanded an explanation from Beijing about the greyed-out parts of the drawing of the proposed &nbsp;‘mega-embassy’ within two weeks.

Spy hub at the heart of London? Why China's secret embassy plan is triggering fear in UK

UK Deputy PM Angela Rayner has been accused of breaching the ministerial code by asking civil servants to help her move house. Watch this report for more details!

UK: Angela Rayner accused of asking civil servants to help her move into govt- appointed apartment

On July 5, Rishi Sunak resigned as leader of the Conservative Party after the Tory’s 14-year rule ended with a landslide victory for the Labour Party in the 2024 UK elections. Sunak was unseated from his role as Prime Minister by Labour's Keir Starmer. The process to select Sunak's successor and the next Conservative Party leader began soon after and has recently gained momentum. Following much competition, six former ministers entered the race to take over the Tory leadership. However, after two rounds of voting by party lawmakers, Priti Patel and Mel Stride have been eliminated from the contest.

UK: Who Will Succeed Rishi Sunak As Leader Of The UK's Conservative Party?

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner asserts that she has not violated parliamentary rules regarding her stay in a New York flat owned by a Labour donor. Her comments come amidst scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest, as she defends her actions and seeks to clarify the situation.

UK Deputy PM Angela Rayner Defends Stay At Donor's New York Flat: 'All MPs Accept Gifts'

UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner says she does not believe she has broken parliamentary rules over declaring a stay in a New York flat owned by a Labour donor.

UK Deputy PM Angela Rayner 'broke no rules' using donor's New York flat

UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab allegedly winged at Labour's Deputy leader Angela Rayner. Raab winked when both the leaders went head-to-head during the PMQ hour in which the Prime Minister answers questions from the MPs in the House of Commons every Wednesday.

UK Deputy PM Dominic Raab accused of sexism

angela-rayner

Angela Rayner, News on Angela Rayner, stories on Angela Rayner, articles on Angela Rayner, Angela Rayner stories at Wion, Angela Rayner news, Angela Rayner latest news

angela rayner