Title

GENERAL ELECTION

Rayner named levelling up secretary

Angela Rayner has been named secretary of state for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

© Number 10/Crown copyright

© Number 10/Crown copyright

Angela Rayner has been named secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities.

Hers was the first appointment to be confirmed by the new Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as he began forming his first cabinet following yesterday's landslide General Election victory.

Rayner, who will also hold the title of deputy prime minister, was widely expected to be appointed to the position in government having held the shadow role on the opposition benches.

She takes over from her Conservative counterpart Michael Gove, who decided not to stand for re-election.

Rachel Reeves has also been appointed as the country's first female chancellor and Yvette Cooper as home secretary.

Wes Streeting will take on the health and social care brief, and Bridget Phillipson has been named education secretary.

GENERAL ELECTION

A pivotal moment for mayors

By Ann McGauran | 25 February 2026

The recent devolution Bill and the Government’s consultation on visitor levies are seen as positive steps on the road to fiscal devolution, but does it go fa...

GENERAL ELECTION

Neighbourhood watch

By David Blackman | 20 February 2026

With the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund expiring imminently, the launch of the Pride in Place programme has placed a renewed focus on neighbourhood regeneration...

GENERAL ELECTION

Political convenience is no justification for unconstitutional local election tinkering

By Colin Copus | 02 February 2026

The Government’s decision to ‘postpone or cancel’ local elections is ‘a travesty of constitutional propriety’ say emeritus professors Steve Leach and Colin C...

GENERAL ELECTION

Green light for intervention-hit council to appoint chief

By Martin Ford | 28 January 2026

Ministers have given the go-ahead for Thurrock Council to appoint a chief executive.

Martin Ford

Popular articles by Martin Ford