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Darren Jones, the former chief secretary to the Treasury, has been appointed to a key role within No 10 by Sir Keir Starmer, marking a significant change in the Downing Street team as Parliament reconvenes. James Murray, who previously served as the exchequer secretary at the Treasury, will take over Jones’s former position. Meanwhile, economist Dan Tomlinson, a newly elected Labour MP, will step into Murray’s role at the Treasury. Additionally, one of Sir Keir’s communications directors, James Lyons, has announced his departure after less than a year in the role.
The government has faced a challenging summer, particularly with issues surrounding asylum and migration, as there has been a notable increase in small boat crossings this year. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper recently announced the suspension of new applications for a scheme that allows refugees to bring their family members to the UK. Sir Keir emphasized that the reshuffle within his team aims to strengthen the center of government, enabling him to advance his priorities effectively. This restructuring signifies a shift into “phase two” for Labour after focusing on laying the groundwork for governance in its first year of power.
Darren Jones’s swift ascent in political roles since becoming an MP in 2017 has been remarkable. As the chancellor’s deputy, he played a significant role in shaping government funding for the next five years during the spending review in June. Despite his new position in Downing Street, Jones will continue to attend cabinet meetings. The reshuffle extends beyond Jones’s appointment, with changes occurring within the No 10 communications team as well. Sir Keir has been proactive in adjusting his team to control the narrative since assuming leadership last year, with various key figures departing and new appointments being made.
The government’s recent backroom changes, coupled with the influx of economic expertise, demonstrate Sir Keir’s commitment to driving economic growth and raising living standards for all. Baroness Minouche Shafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, has been recruited as the prime minister’s economic adviser. Despite these efforts, Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake has criticized the shake-up, referring to it as chaotic and indicative of a Downing Street in crisis. Hollinrake expressed concern that the government is preoccupied with internal reshuffling rather than addressing economic challenges and supporting small businesses
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