Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reshuffled his Downing Street team, appointing Darren Jones to a newly created role to enhance the delivery of government priorities amid ongoing challenges with the economy and migration. This move signals an effort to strengthen his administration’s grip and respond to external pressures, including poor polling numbers and the rise of Reform UK.
Darren Jones, previously the chief secretary to the Treasury, has been named chief secretary to the Prime Minister, a position that will see him based in No 10 and attending cabinet meetings. His primary responsibility will be to directly oversee work across government to support the implementation of Starmer’s key policies, reflecting a shift towards a more centralized ‘command and control’ approach in Whitehall.
Jones’s departure from the Treasury has led to a chain of promotions: James Murray, the exchequer secretary, steps up to become chief secretary to the Treasury, acting as deputy to Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Dan Tomlinson, an economist and newly elected MP, takes over Murray’s former role, highlighting Starmer’s intention to reward fresh talent from the 2024 intake and inject new energy into the government’s economic team.
The reshuffle extends beyond ministerial changes to communications and policy units. James Lyons, the director of communications for strategy, is leaving after less than a year, with his exit timed to broader internal adjustments. Tim Allan, a former adviser to Tony Blair, is joining as executive director of government communications to improve messaging and narrative control, addressing criticisms that the government has struggled to set the agenda.
In the policy domain, Liz Lloyd is departing her role but is expected to transition to a new government position, while Stuart Ingham will work more closely with chief of staff Morgan McSweeney to ensure Starmer’s priorities are integrated into all decisions. These changes aim to resolve internal conflicts and bolster the prime minister’s influence over policy development and execution.
The context for this shake-up is a difficult summer for Starmer’s government, characterized by economic sluggishness, migration crises, and lagging poll numbers behind Reform UK. The return of parliament is anticipated to bring further challenges, such as potential tax increases in the autumn budget and legal disputes over asylum policies, necessitating a more robust and coordinated response from No 10.
This reorganization is widely seen as an admission that Starmer’s first year in power has not met expectations, prompting a need for a bolder approach to deliver on campaign promises. By appointing experienced figures and restructuring his team, Starmer aims to regain political momentum and improve government effectiveness, with implications for his leadership if these changes fail to yield results.
Looking forward, the government is also set to appoint Minouche Shafik as chief economic adviser, further strengthening its economic expertise. The success of this reshuffle will be critical in determining whether Starmer can overcome current obstacles and secure a stronger position ahead of future political battles.