Rayner named levelling up secretary

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.