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

uk-deputy-prime-minister

Uk Deputy Prime Minister, News on Uk Deputy Prime Minister, stories on Uk Deputy Prime Minister, articles on Uk Deputy Prime Minister, Uk Deputy Prime Minister stories at Wion, Uk Deputy Prime Minister news, Uk Deputy Prime Minister latest news

uk deputy-prime-minister

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

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