Keir Starmer has reinvigorated his ministerial team by appointing a blend of former New Labour figures and external experts.
- Senior ministers from the New Labour era, like Douglas Alexander and Jacqui Smith, have been appointed to key roles.
- Patrick Vallance, the former chief scientific adviser, was named science minister.
- Businessman James Timpson was appointed as prisons minister.
- Richard Hermer, an international law expert, was named attorney general, replacing Emily Thornberry.
On Saturday night, Starmer made strategic appointments that included prominent figures from the New Labour era. Douglas Alexander, who returned as an MP, was appointed as a trade minister and a business minister, and Jacqui Smith, the former home secretary under Gordon Brown, was made an education minister and received a peerage. Additionally, former health secretary Alan Milburn is expected to push through NHS reforms.
Starmer has also turned to experts outside Westminster for ministerial positions. Patrick Vallance, the former chief scientific adviser, was named science minister. Businessman and rehabilitation advocate James Timpson was appointed as prisons minister. Richard Hermer, an international law expert, was appointed as attorney general, a decision welcomed by senior legal figures.
Richard Hermer’s expertise is particularly anticipated to be crucial in providing advice on international conflicts. He recently co-authored a letter emphasising the importance of international law in response to Hamas’s attacks, highlighting the need to avoid collective punishment and ensure minimal destruction to civilian life and infrastructure. His appointment led to the sidelining of Emily Thornberry, who previously held the role of attorney general in opposition.
Starmer’s decision to bring in non-political figures mirrors Gordon Brown’s approach. Brown had previously appointed figures like former admiral Lord West and ex-UN deputy secretary general Mark Malloch Brown to his government. This approach aims to demonstrate competence and a breadth of expertise in his administration, reflecting a commitment to lead in a non-ideological manner.
Additional appointments include Ellie Reeves as Cabinet Office minister, replacing Anneliese Dodds as party chair, Dan Jarvis as Home Office minister, and Jim McMahon and Matthew Pennycook as ministers in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
These strategic appointments underscore a deliberate effort by Starmer to draw on a wide range of talents to enhance governance.
