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Labour’s Cabinet Shake-Up: Starmer Ousts 31 MPs and Peers

Sir Keir Starmer, the new Labour leader, has made significant changes to his cabinet by relegating 31 MPs and peers to the backbenches. This move has created a group of disaffected lawmakers who may cause trouble for the new government. At least 22 former frontbench MPs are now backbenchers, including Emily Thornberry, Chi Onwurah, Helen Hayes, and Ruth Cadbury.

Promoting Fresh Blood

Starmer has taken the unconventional decision to promote several new MPs straight into junior frontbench roles, a move not seen since Harold Wilson formed a government in 1964. Georgia Gould, previously the leader of Labour-controlled Camden Council, was made a parliamentary undersecretary of state in the Cabinet Office. Economist and think-tank chief Miatta Fahnbulleh was given the role of parliamentary undersecretary of state in the energy department.

Demotions and Discontent

The decision to demote dozens of MPs has sowed some discontent among the Labour party. The dispossessed members may be more likely to vote against the government on major issues in the coming months. "It’s pretty galling to be slogging away from opposition for years getting on top of your brief only for them to hand it to someone else," said one former shadow minister. "They’ll regret passing me over, I’m capable of causing plenty of trouble when the time comes."

Former Shadow Ministers React

Another demoted former shadow cabinet minister said the way it had been handled had "caused disappointment and dismay." "It sends a signal that being a team player and working hard isn’t enough," they said, adding that they now saw an opportunity to provide more "constructive criticism." Emily Thornberry expressed her disappointment, saying she was "sorry and surprised" at not being appointed to a post in government.

Labour Spokesperson Response

A Labour spokesperson said: "The reality is that the number of paid ministers is capped by law, and we had an opposition frontbench that was larger than that number so, unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to give everyone a role — but that doesn’t reflect a lack of appreciation for their service."

Impact on Select Committees

At least nine peers have also been demoted to the backbenches. Several demoted ministers will seek appointments to select committees, with Labour expected to chair at least 16 — the amount allotted to the Conservatives in the last parliament. MPs require cross-party support to be appointed at the helm of a committee.

Conclusion

Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to demote 31 MPs and peers has caused controversy within the Labour party. While some may see this move as a way to bring in fresh talent and expertise, others may view it as a betrayal of loyal party members who have worked hard for years. Only time will tell how this decision will impact the new government and the Labour party’s future.

FAQs

Q: Why did Sir Keir Starmer demote 31 MPs and peers?
A: Starmer made the decision to demote several MPs and peers to bring in fresh blood and outside expertise into his cabinet.

Q: Who are the MPs and peers that were demoted?
A: At least 22 former frontbench MPs were demoted, including Emily Thornberry, Chi Onwurah, Helen Hayes, and Ruth Cadbury. At least nine peers were also demoted.

Q: Why did Starmer choose to promote new MPs straight into junior frontbench roles?
A: Starmer took this unconventional decision to bring in new talent and expertise into his cabinet, a move not seen since Harold Wilson formed a government in 1964.

Q: How will this decision impact the Labour party’s future?
A: Only time will tell how this decision will impact the new government and the Labour party’s future. Some may see this move as a way to bring in fresh talent and expertise, while others may view it as a betrayal of loyal party members who have worked hard for years.

Author: www.ft.com

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