Starmer Holds First Cabinet Meeting After Major Government Reshuffle

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is convening his Cabinet for the first meeting of the parliamentary term following a significant reshuffle aimed at addressing key challenges such as asylum seeker accommodation, economic policy, and Labour's poor polling numbers. Starmer is prioritizing the accelerated closure of hotels used to house asylum seekers, seeking to bring forward the original 2029 target amid public frustration and recent violent incidents around accommodation centers. The Cabinet reshuffle includes the promotion of Darren Jones from Treasury to chief secretary to the Prime Minister, with James Murray moving into Jones's former Treasury role, and the appointment of Baroness Minouche Shafik as chief economic adviser, signaling a focus on economic strategy ahead of the autumn budget. Starmer described this period as 'phase two' of his government, emphasizing a shift from foundational fixes toward faster delivery of change. The government also faces intense scrutiny over economic decisions, with past controversies including the reversal of cuts to winter fuel payments and speculation about new tax measures to address a looming public finance gap. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper affirmed confidence in earlier-than-planned asylum hotel closures, and the Cabinet agenda includes immigration and economic policies amid a backdrop of political and public pressure.