A victory for Starmer.
Yesterday’s long-awaited Shadow Cabinet reshuffle was a huge victory for Starmer. Despite his dislike for such events, Labour demonstrated that they are relentlessly focused on harnessing their best talent and positing themselves as a Government in waiting.
When Sir Keir was elected he made his strategy clear:
The reshuffle makes it very clear that the party is now ready to focus on providing an alternative platform to the country.
Reshuffles are normally only remembered when they go wrong, but the team will be pleased with how slick and uneventful yesterday's reshuffle was. This was clearly pre-prepared, with Shadow Ministers being given the chance to resign instead of being fired, graphics prepared and no public wrangling for roles on the day.
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Rayner’s appointment was top of the discussions ahead of the reshuffle, especially given her victory in the previous reshuffle. She is now both Shadow Levelling Up Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, a clear signal of party unity from Starmer and recognition that her authenticity and communications skills will be key in such an important domestic brief.
Other key appointments include big hitter Hilary Benn returning to the Shadow Cabinet in the important but often overlooked role of Northern Ireland; the talented Darren Jones to Chief Secretary to the Treasury; Pat McFadden being moved to face off against Oliver Dowden; Peter Kyle taking the much coveted Science, Innovation, Innovation and Technology brief; and former leadership candidate Liz Kendall into Work and Pensions.
What we have seen demonstrates that Labour are confident about the next election, with even those who saw demotions such as Lisa Nandy, choosing to stay on the front bench rather than return to the back benches.
Importantly for businesses, Labour is providing certainty by showing that it will be this team that takes Labour into the next election. They will be writing the manifesto, meeting with civil servants to plan for the future, and are the campaigners Sir Keir is hoping will get him into Number 10.
We now need to wait and watch to see who will be reshuffled and added into the Shadow Junior Ministerial roles, with vacancies left by the promotion of Liz Kendall and Ellie Reeves, and many waiting to see if those who have announced they are standing down will be replaced, such as energy expert Alan Whitehead.