Lammy becomes deputy PM in British cabinet reshuffle

LONDON - The British government announced a major cabinet reshuffle on Friday following the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, 10 Downing Street confirmed.

David Lammy, the former foreign secretary, has been appointed deputy prime minister, in addition to being made lord chancellor and secretary of state for justice. Yvette Cooper will succeed Lammy as foreign secretary.

The reshuffle also saw the departure of Lucy Powell, the former leader of the House of Commons, and Ian Murray, the former Scottish secretary.

Earlier, Downing Street published Rayner's resignation letter, in which she also stepped down as housing secretary and deputy leader of the Labour Party. Her decision follows revelations that she failed to pay 40,000 pounds ($53,900) in stamp duty on a second home.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "very sad" at her departure, adding that "Even though you won't be part of the government, you will remain a major figure in our party."