New PM Starmer appoints two women to lead UK Treasury

Written by Sachin Ravikumar and Movija M

LONDON, July 5 (Reuters) – New British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday appointed Rachel Reeves as Britain’s first female finance minister and Angela Rayner as her deputy, as he begins to form the team that will lead him and help him try to deliver on his promises to rebuild the country.

Reeves, 45, a former Bank of England economist, has spent time in opposition repairing relations with the business community that were strained during the administration of former left-wing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and explaining to voters that his money goes to the party.

Starmer appointed David Lammy as Britain’s new foreign secretary and John Healey as defence secretary, while Yvette Cooper will become home secretary, known as the Home Secretary, overseeing domestic security and the police.

Lamy and Haley take charge amid two global conflicts and have promised continued support for Ukraine in its standoff with Russia and to push for a ceasefire in the fighting in Gaza.

Starmer promised voters he would deliver change and political stability after 14 years of Conservative government that saw five prime ministers and a high turnover in key ministries, including 10 education ministers.

The appointments of key members of his government were widely anticipated, with appointments already made for policy reports developed while they served in opposition.

Rayner will also serve as Minister for Equality, Housing and Communities.

Wes Streeting has been appointed health secretary and will take charge of a portfolio that will oversee Britain’s troubled National Health Service, one of the biggest issues on voters’ minds ahead of the election.

Former Labour leader Ed Miliband has been appointed climate and energy secretary, Shabana Mahmood has been appointed justice secretary and Bridget Phillipson will be the new education secretary.

(Reporting by Muvija M and Sachin Ravikumar. Editing in Spanish by Marion Giraldo)