"Keir Starmer revamps Downing Street team in brief reshuffle"

Darren Jones Appointed to New Role in Downing Street Amid Government Shake-Up

Darren Jones, previously the chief secretary to the Treasury, has been reassigned to a key position in Downing Street as Prime Minister Keir Starmer works to ensure delivery of his agenda ahead of what is expected to be a challenging autumn, *CuriosityNews* has learned.

Jones, now holding the title of chief secretary to the prime minister, will oversee the daily implementation of government priorities. The move comes after months in which No. 10 has faced difficulties in setting the agenda on major issues such as the economy and immigration, while also trailing behind Reform UK in recent polls.

His former role as deputy to Rachel Reeves will be filled by James Murray, who has been elevated from the position of exchequer secretary, a more junior Treasury role. In turn, Murray’s previous post will be taken by Dan Tomlinson, the government’s “growth mission champion,” as Starmer rewards newer members of the parliamentary intake.

Senior sources indicate that no broader reshuffle of junior ministers is anticipated at this stage, despite some speculation. However, Starmer will need to appoint a replacement for Rushanara Ali, the former homelessness minister who resigned earlier this summer. The cabinet is expected to remain unchanged overall.

Additionally, No. 10 is likely to confirm the appointment of former Bank of England deputy governor Minouche Shafik as Starmer’s principal economic adviser, as the government intensifies efforts to boost economic growth and productivity.

Changes are also underway in communications, with Tim Allan, a former adviser to Tony Blair and founder of the PR firm Portland, joining as executive director of government communications. His political role will be distinct from that of David Dinsmore, who is leading improvements to the civil service’s communications strategy.

James Lyons, Downing Street’s director of communications for strategy, is departing, while Steph Driver, who manages day-to-day communications and is close to Starmer, will remain in her position, reporting to Allan.

The Downing Street policy unit is undergoing its own reorganization following internal disputes over leadership. Liz Lloyd, who previously served as Tony Blair’s deputy chief of staff, is leaving but is expected to take on a new government role.

Meanwhile, Stuart Ingham, a senior policy adviser and one of Starmer’s longest-serving aides, will shift to chief of staff Morgan McSweeney’s team, assuming a more politically focused position. Sources say this will ensure the prime minister’s priorities are central to all decision-making.

A new head of political policy will be named soon, but in the interim, Vidhya Alakeson, one of McSweeney’s deputies, will manage daily policy operations. Reports suggesting the appointment of Louise Casey, a senior government adviser, have been dismissed by sources.

The extent of the changes underscores concerns that Starmer’s administration has struggled to control its own narrative, instead finding itself frequently responding to external pressures—most notably, the summer’s intense scrutiny of immigration policy.