Starmer names Reeves finance minister, Shabana Mahmood justice minister
Shabana Mahmood, a former barrister, takes on the roles of justice minister and lord chancellor, becoming the second woman after Liz Truss to hold these positions.
Vivek Mishra works as an Assistant Editor with Eastern Eye and has over 13 years of experience in journalism. His areas of interest include politics, international affairs, current events, and sports. With a background in newsroom operations and editorial planning, he has reported and edited stories on major national and global developments.
Keir Starmer, Britain’s new prime minister following Labour’s 2024 election victory, has appointed Rachel Reeves as the country’s first female finance minister and Angela Rayner as his deputy prime minister.
Reeves, 45, a former Bank of England economist, aims to repair relations with the business community, while Rayner, 44, known for her grassroots ties, will oversee levelling up, housing, and communities.
Shabana Mahmood, a former barrister, takes on the roles of justice minister and lord chancellor, becoming the second woman after Liz Truss to hold these positions. David Lammy, 51, a long-time advocate for social and racial justice, becomes foreign minister, emphasising a policy of "progressive realism" in international affairs. Lisa Nandy, 42, assumes the role of culture minister, continuing Labour’s focus on arts and media policy.
Yvette Cooper, 55, a seasoned Labour politician, steps into the role of interior minister, pledging to focus on law and order. John Healey, 64, appointed as defence minister, vows to support Ukraine and advocate for peace in Gaza. Wes Streeting, 41, takes charge of the health ministry, tasked with addressing the NHS’s challenges.
Ed Miliband, 54, former Labour leader, leads efforts as energy security and net zero minister, focusing on green energy initiatives. Jonathan Reynolds, 43, assumes the position of business minister, aiming to strengthen ties between Labour and the business community.
Rachel Reeves – finance minister
Rachel Reeves, 45, a former Bank of England economist, takes charge as Britain’s first female finance minister.
She aims to mend relations with the business community and uphold fiscal discipline while exploring strategic investments.
Angela Rayner – deputy prime minister and secretary for levelling up, housing, and communities
Angela Rayner, 44, known for her grassroots ties, assumes the role of deputy prime minister.
She will also oversee efforts to promote equality across regions, housing initiatives, and community development.
Shabana Mahmood – justice minister and lord chancellor
Shabana Mahmood, a former barrister, becomes justice minister and lord chancellor.
She focuses on judicial reforms and upholding the rule of law, aiming to bring equitable justice to all.
David Lammy – foreign minister
David Lammy, 51, a vocal advocate for social justice, takes on the role of foreign minister.
He prioritises international relations based on "progressive realism," emphasising security, prosperity, and human rights.
Lisa Nandy – culture minister
Lisa Nandy, 42, assumes the position of culture minister, focusing on policies affecting arts, media, and cultural heritage.
Her role includes promoting cultural diversity and creative industries.
Yvette Cooper – interior minister
Yvette Cooper, 55, a veteran Labour politician, becomes interior minister.
She pledges to enhance domestic security and policing, focusing on law and order issues nationwide.
John Healey – defence minister
John Healey, 64, appointed as defence minister, vows to support national defence and international peace efforts.
He focuses on strategic defence policies amid global conflicts.
Wes Streeting – health minister
Wes Streeting, 41, tasked with overseeing Britain’s National Health Service (NHS), takes charge as health minister.
He aims to address healthcare challenges and improve NHS services.
Ed Miliband – energy security and net zero minister
Ed Miliband, 54, leads efforts as energy security and net zero minister.
He focuses on advancing Britain’s clean energy agenda and achieving environmental sustainability goals.
Jonathan Reynolds – business minister
Jonathan Reynolds, 43, becomes business minister, fostering partnerships between Labour and the business sector.
His focus includes promoting green energy investments and economic resilience.
Diwali celebration tomorrow kicks off business with ticketed workshops and networking.
Model taps into growing demand for inclusive, heritage-focused experiences.
Platform targets not just south Asians seeking cultural connection, but everyone.
Creating cultural belonging
Priyanka Patel, curator of The Empowered Desi, a new events platform for south Asians seeking cultural connection, is here with a Diwali celebration on Saturday (18) at Fargo Village in Coventry. The venture was born from personal experience – Patel felt "isolated and neglected" growing up without many south Asian friends. Spotting a gap in the market, she's now building a business around creating inclusive spaces for south Asians regardless of religious or regional background.
Diwali-themed , Paint N Sip event in Coventry marks the venture's next partnership with local business Sugar and Spice, Patel is offering a ticketed experience featuring diya decorating workshops, Indian grazing boards with chai, and jewellery stations where guests can take home jhumkas and bangles. The Diwali format combines cultural celebration with networking opportunities, with south Asian attire preferred.
Empowerment through experience
I couldn't talk about the festivals we celebrate, the type of Indian food we have, and also the clothes we wear for special occasions," Patel told BBC."I felt that I couldn't express my individuality, which in turn affected my confidence and self-worth." She realised that lack of cultural belonging represented an untapped market.
The business model centres on experiential events that blend tradition with social connection. The first workshop held on September (20) focused on bento cake decorating, a trendy format paired with south Asian networking. Patel aims for attendees to "feel empowered and inspired."
With South Asian Heritage Month highlighting the importance of cultural spaces, The Empowered Desi positions itself at the intersection of community building and commercial viability. Patel's betting that others share her experience and are willing to pay for a sense of belonging.
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