Keir Starmer has moved to strengthen his control over the government by restructuring junior ministerial roles, a shift that has marginalized union-aligned figures and cast doubt on the future of Labour’s proposed workers’ rights reforms.
The adjustments reflect a firmer approach on immigration, seemingly aimed at countering Reform UK’s influence. Shabana Mahmood, known for her socially conservative views, now heads the Home Office, supported by Sarah Jones, who resumes her previous responsibilities on policing.
Among the first dismissed from junior ministerial positions was Justin Madders, former employment rights minister. Despite playing a central role in shaping Labour’s proposals for workers—dubbed the "new deal for working people"—his departure was not officially acknowledged in No. 10’s announcements. Madders confirmed the news himself on social media, stating it had been a privilege to serve but that it was time to step aside.
Madders’ removal, alongside Angela Rayner’s exit from her dual government roles and post as Labour’s deputy leader, eliminates key architects of the employment rights bill—a plan unions had hailed as the most significant pro-worker initiative in years.
Further fueling speculation of a shift in Labour’s stance, Starmer will skip this year’s TUC conference. Rayner, seen as the cabinet’s strongest union ally, and Madders, tasked with converting the new deal into law, are now both absent from the process.
Peter Kyle, a staunch Starmer supporter, was recently elevated to lead the business department, putting him in charge of employment rights policy. Some within the government fear this could lead to a dilution of the original proposals, which many centrist Labour members had reservations about. Polls suggest robust worker protections remain popular, even among voters considering Reform UK, raising the likelihood of internal disagreements.
The proposed reforms included immediate rights for new employees, an end to zero-hours contracts, and stricter rules against unfair dismissals. A union leader commented: "Rayner was our strongest advocate in government, and her team played a crucial part in advancing the bill. While Starmer’s commitment remains, we’re concerned about who will now champion union priorities."
Meanwhile, Ellie Reeves has been reassigned from party chair to solicitor general, losing her cabinet seat in the process. Her replacement has yet to be named.
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