Hermer out as Attorney General as Starmer loyalists exit Burnham government
Communities Secretary Steve Reed writes of fight against antisemitism in resignation letter
Lord Hermer – the most senior Jewish politician under former PM Keir Starmer – is out as Attorney General as Andy Burnham’s government began to take shape.
In a statement KC Hermer said it had been the “privilege of my life” to serve under the former PM, adding as part of Starmer’s senior team he had rebuilt the UK’s reputation abroad, “in particular on the rule of law.”
One of Starmer’s closest allies, human rights barrister Hermer had told Jewish News last week that whatever Burnham decided to do with him, he had relished the opportunity to serve for two years as Britain’s most senior lawyer.
David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Steve Reed and Peter Kyle were also among the first high profile Cabinet ministers to leave the new Prime Minister’s cabinet.
All had close involvement and relations with the Jewish community under Starmer, were expected departures.
In a statement Communities Secretary and Keir Starmer loyalist Reed said he was “disappointed” to be resigning from the new government, and he referenced the role he had played in the fight against antisemitism.
“In 2017, I set up a group that played a significant role in exposing and driving out the anti-Jewish racists who’d occupied our party and led it to being found institutionally racist. I was proud to be part of the team that then turned the party around under Keir’s leadership and took us forward to a landslide election victory,” wrote Reed in a letter he published online.
He also found time to take a parting shot at those in the cabinet who he accused of being disloyal to Starmer.
“Keir Starmer showed loyalty to me by appointing me to his Cabinet. I make no apology for returning that loyalty,” said Reed.
“It’s what is expected of functioning teams, and I hope those who did not show loyalty to Keir will now show it to you. I’m proud I acted with integrity at every step over the turbulent past few months.”
In a post on X, Reeves also confirmed she was leaving the role as chancellor. It is understood she was offered another role, but turned it down.
She wrote: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve as the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
“The economy today is stronger, fairer and more resilient because of the choices we have taken as a Labour Government over the past two years.
“I wish the very best of luck to my successor, Andy and his Cabinet.
“You have my full support and I will continue to play my part in helping this Labour Government deliver the change the country needs.”
During her time as chancellor Reeves had been a strong supporter of Labour Friends of Israel.
But she also strongly criticised those who argued for UK involvement in the war by the US and Israel against Iran.
Lammy, until now the deputy prime minister and foreign secretary, also announced he was leaving Government on social media.
Tottenham MP Mr Lammy said he “would have been proud to continue serving in Cabinet. But a new Prime Minister is entitled to build his own team”.
He added he would “support this Labour government from the backbenches and do everything I can to help defeat Reform again at the next general election”.
Former Business Secretary Kyle also enjoyed close relations with the Jewish community in Hove, Sussex, and had regularly spoken at Jewish Labour Movement and other communal events.
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