Picture: Official Parliament portrait.
Jonathan Reynolds MP has been revealed as Labour’s new shadow business and trade minister today (4 September).
Labour leader Keir Starmer unveiled a new line-up of shadow ministers on the first day back after the summer recess, gearing up for a probable general election in 2024.
Reynolds had previously been looking after business and industrial strategy in the shadow cabinet and has served in a number of roles under different Labour Leaders since Ed Miliband.
Continuity
Grace Thompson, Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) public affairs lead, said:
“It is significant for the business world that Reynolds has moved to take on the expanded role of shadow secretary of state for business and trade, having most recently held the position of shadow secretary of state for business and industrial strategy.
“The continuity provided from his experience in this position, as well as his previous roles in portfolios across the shadow cabinet (including work and pensions, treasury, transport and energy) is likely to encourage broad stakeholder confidence.”
Previous shadow minister for international trade, Nick Thomas-Symonds, remains in the shadow cabinet as a shadow minister without portfolio.
Movers and shakers
Today’s news began with the announcement on Twitter that deputy leader Angela Rayner will take on the levelling up portfolio from former Labour leadership contender Lisa Nandy.
The more high-profile offices of shadow chancellor, foreign affairs secretary and home secretary remain unchanged, as Rachael Reeves, David Lammy and Yvette Cooper retain their spots.
Other movers and shakers in Starmer’s shadow cabinet shake-up include:
- Former shadow justice secretary Steve Reed taking over the DEFRA portfolio
- Hillary Benn has been moved to cover Northern Ireland
- Darren Jones has been appointed as shadow chief secretary to the treasury
- Louise Haigh retains her roles as transport minister
- Former Labour leader Ed Miliband has moved to energy security and net zero
- Lisa Nandy, having lost her responsibilities for levelling up, has been moved to the international development brief
Jim McMahon, who had been the shadow environmental secretary, resigned earlier, citing a need to spend time with his family and recover his health after an illness.
