Sir Keir Starmer recently chaired his first cabinet meeting as Prime Minister, following Labour’s victory that ended 14 years of Tory rule. Despite the change in leadership, the top team appointed on Friday afternoon saw few alterations to the shadow frontbench line-up that existed before the election. This decision to maintain continuity within the team could either be seen as a wise choice to ensure stability or a missed opportunity to bring in fresh perspectives.
Among the key players present at the cabinet meeting were Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, and Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner. These individuals, along with Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, will play crucial roles in shaping the new government’s policies and direction. However, the decision to appoint experienced human rights lawyer Richard Hermer KC as attorney general over Emily Thornberry raises questions about the government’s priorities and agenda.
The new cabinet faces a myriad of challenges, including addressing the NHS waiting list, managing the small boats crisis in the Channel, addressing an overstretched prison system, and stimulating economic growth. The agenda for the cabinet meeting is likely to focus on the six key points outlined in the Labour manifesto, which include delivering economic stability, improving healthcare access, enhancing border security, promoting energy sustainability, combating anti-social behavior, and bolstering the education sector. These priorities signal a commitment to addressing pressing issues facing the country.
Sir Keir Starmer’s early days in office will be marked by engagements on the international stage, including attending the NATO leaders’ summit in Washington DC and hosting the European Political Community summit in the UK. These events present opportunities for the new Prime Minister to establish diplomatic relations and showcase his leadership on a global scale. Additionally, Sir Keir’s pledge to prioritize family time by not working past 6pm on Fridays adds a personal touch to his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance.
In his inaugural speech as Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the mandate for change and renewal that voters have entrusted to his government. He expressed a commitment to serving the public and restoring faith in politics as a force for good. The rhetoric of change and national renewal suggests a transformative agenda aimed at addressing longstanding issues and rebuilding trust in government institutions.
Overall, Sir Keir Starmer’s first cabinet meeting sets the tone for his administration, highlighting key priorities, challenges, and aspirations for the future. The decisions made in the early days of his leadership will shape the trajectory of the government and its ability to deliver on its promises of change and transformation.