Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed MP Shabana Mahmood as the new Home Secretary of the United Kingdom. The announcement was made on Friday during a cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
At 44, MP Shabana has become the most senior Muslim in British politics. This appointment is a milestone moment in the country’s political history. She has served as a Member of Parliament since 2010 and held several shadow cabinet positions over the years. Most recently, she worked as justice minister in Starmer’s government. A qualified barrister, she has been active in both legal and political roles for more than a decade.
Her career also highlights her independent approach. MP Shabana once declined to serve under Jeremy Corbyn during his time as Labour leader, showing her willingness to take a firm stance when needed.
The reshuffle followed Rayner’s resignation, which came after Britain’s independent adviser ruled she had failed to pay the correct property tax. Her departure forced Starmer to carry out broader changes than expected, as he sought to restore authority and bring stability to his government.
Alongside Mahmood’s appointment, Yvette Cooper was named foreign minister, while David Lammy became deputy prime minister and justice secretary. Party insiders described these appointments as sensible, though not dramatic.
Starmer also recently reshaped his Downing Street team to expand economic advice, relying on trusted allies to strengthen his leadership. With MP Shabana now leading the Home Office, Starmer signals a fresh direction in domestic policy while also broadening representation at the top of government.
Her appointment underscores both her growing influence within Labour and the changing face of British politics.
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