SIR KEIR SHAKES UP HOME OFFICE

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been carrying out a major reshuffle

- NINA LLOYD

Sir Keir Starmer is carrying out a major reshuffle, including wide-ranging changes at the Home Office, as he seeks to tighten his grip on immigration and draw a line under Angela Rayner's resignation.

Former borders minister Dame Angela Eagle and former policing minister Dame Diana Johnson have been moved to other departments in the clear-out.

‘The changes follow a sweeping Cabinet-level shakeup on Friday after former deputy prime minister Ms Rayner quit the UK Government for breaching the ministerial code over a property purchase earlier this year.

Yvette Cooper was replaced as Home Secretary by Shabana Mahmood and took over as Foreign Secretary from David Lammy, who has been made Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary.

Former industry minister Sarah Jones will become policing minister, a brief she held in opposition, as part of Ms Mahmood’s new-look team, it is understood.

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones earlier denied that the UK Government was in crisis and insisted Sir Keir now has the “strongest team” in place around the Cabinet table following Ms Rayner’s departure.

He ruled out the prospect of an early election amid opposition claims that the upheaval could open up splits within Labour and collapse the Prime Minister's authority.